8 Tips For Socializing Without Alcohol

No matter what drove you to give up booze—and whether or not it is a permanent decision—learning to socialize without it can be a challenge. As humans, we are creatures of habit, which means it’s easy to become dependent on the social lubrication of alcohol.

Whether you’re surrounded by strangers or hanging with your besties, it can be tough to resist the urge to “take the edge off.” However, that bravery-boosting buzz almost always comes with at least a few downsides (including the dreaded hangover.)

At Grüvi, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy an evening with a cold one in their hand. That’s why we developed our delicious non-alcoholic bevies — because you deserve to be there for every moment and memory.

We also understand how tricky it can be to navigate the booze-laden social scene without giving up your commitment to not drinking, which is why we’ve laid out our top 8 tips for staying social without the booze.

1. Know your “why”

Before heading out for an evening of alcohol-free fun, prepare yourself for the inevitable: when someone asks “why aren’t you drinking?!” know what you’re going to say. You should never feel obligated to explain your choice, but you can avoid some awkwardness by having a response in mind.

Mentioning that you’re “sober curious” is a great way to start a conversation without getting too personal. Our go-to? We just can’t deal with the hangover. Whether or not you plan to leave your couch tomorrow, most people respect your choice to wake up feeling peachy. So tell ‘em you have an early morning ahead and keep grüvin.

2. Keep a drink in your hand

Just because you’re staying sober doesn’t mean you can’t sip on something delicious as you mingle. Whether you mix up a mocktail or grab a Grüvi, having something in your hand can make you feel more confident (and less likely to be handed something you’d rather avoid.)

3. Plan ahead

Having a drink in your hand is great, as long as there are alcohol-free options available. If you’re going to a bar or restaurant and hoping to skip an awkward conversation with the bartender, consider calling ahead and asking about their NA options before heading out. If a house party or BBQ is on the agenda, a pack of Grüvis is all you need. We recommend keeping them on hand so you’re always prepared to say “yes” — order a case today!

4. Set small goals.

If it’s your first time attending an event since deciding to forgo booze, show yourself some grace and set small goals that are attainable. Don’t put pressure on yourself to mingle for hours — maybe you just need one hour of sober socializing before you’re ready to hit the road, so make that your goal for the evening. Whatever you do, remember that it will get easier with practice, so keep showing up and don’t forget — you are a badass.

5. Focus on the positives.

Sure, it can be tough to adjust to socializing without alcohol when you’re used to relying on liquid courage for confidence, but you made the choice for a reason (or several.) When you start to feel awkward or second guess your decision, remind yourself why you made it.

For starters, you are likely to be one of the only people at the party who will wake up without even a hint of a hangover tomorrow morning. In the moment, you are more likely to be present and engaged in conversations, which will ultimately lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.

If you’ve been alcohol-free for a while, you’ve probably started to notice other perks, as well, including less anxiety, clearer skin, and more energy throughout the day. Keep these positives in mind and you won’t miss the booze for a minute.

6. Bring an accountability partner.

Having a friend on your side can make even the most awkward situations bearable, which is why we recommend designating an accountability partner if you’re choosing to stay sober for a night out.

Whether they’re sober, sober curious, or just plain supportive, having someone to chat with while everyone else lines up for drinks will help you feel included and more likely to keep Grüvin’ all night long.

7. Know when it’s time to leave (and have an exit strategy.)

We all have our limits and when it comes to sober socializing, knowing yours is important. If you go out with people who are drinking and you’re not having fun, or you’re really tempted to drink yourself, then you'll want to leave early. This is especially important if you’re going somewhere where you used to always drink before. The bar or the same nightclub you used to frequent while drinking may be a trigger for you.

While you can just leave or say you have to go without offering a reason why, you might find it’s more helpful to have a scripted excuse to quickly get out of the situation. A few examples:

• • You have to get up early for an event.
  • You're not feeling so great.
  • You have plans to meet another friend.

8. Celebrate yourself.

Because we live in a booze-soaked world, skipping alcohol at a social event takes a lot of grit. You made the choice to give up alcohol because you’re committed to improving your mental and physical health, which is a huge accomplishment that should be recognized.

So no matter how the evening goes, remember that you did something tough and pour yourself a Grüvi to celebrate!