Contrary to what the popular culture and media would like us to believe, drinking alcohol is not an essential part of partying, it is not rude to refuse drinks, and there is no shame in being a teetotaler. Refusing a drink was never an issue during my teens, just a simple "no thanks" was enough; however, things have changed drastically now, and I find the youth bowing down to peer pressure way against their will. To help all those youth (and others) who would like to party without alcohol, I am sharing a few tips on the polite ways of refusing a drink. 

• Firmly yet politely saying, “No thanks, I don’t drink” is the best and simplest way of refusing a drink. However, this strategy will work only when you are with a group of rational adults who appreciate individual preferences, which in today’s scenario is usually rare. More often than not, people might ridicule or laugh at you, or pester you to drink, the trick is to stay calm and stick to your decision of not drinking alcohol.

• Now, saying no is easier, the difficult part is sticking to it, especially when people question your decision to stay sober (much to your annoyance this many times can’t be avoided). The easiest way to handle such bothersome questions is not to delve into details and just give generic statements like, “I am the designated driver today,” or “I am allergic to alcohol.” However, do not give any answers that might question the lifestyle of other drinks, stay away from statements such as “My religion forbids me,” or “Alcohol is not good for my health.” These are sure shot ways of offending other’s decision to drink - now is not the time to profess your views about drinking alcohol.

• At times, total refusal to drink anything at all will not only make others feel uncomfortable but also make you feel like an odd person in the group. To avoid being an outsider at the party, order a non-alcoholic version of the drink that others are having, it could be anything – a glass of coke, fruit juice, lime soda, or any other soft drink. Having a glass in hand will make others feel comfortable around you.

• I have a friend of mine – a fellow teetotaler, who carries her own bottle of non alcoholic beverage to every party she attends and makes it a point to fill her own glass whenever the glasses are being refilled. This method is especially useful when you are not sure if non-alcoholic drinks will be available at the venue.

• However, in case nothing works and you have to accept a glass of alcohol, then the best thing to do would be to graciously take the glass but just nurse the glass without drinking or sipping the contents. People are usually eager to refill empty glasses and rarely bother to see if you are actually drinking or not. In case someone does point out that you are not drinking, just tell them that you like to savor the drink slowly and don’t appreciate gulping it down. 

But most importantly, don’t let lack of alcohol kill the party animal in you and do chill out, enjoy the party and burn the dance floor to the fullest, and show it to your friends that being sober need not be boring at all! 

Image credits: bollywood77.com, sodahead.com, getallabout.com