Sober Story: How to Socialize Without Drinking

In this story, Yasmin, a sobriety advocate and owner of Align Events - Alcohol Free Cocktail Bars shared the following tips on how to socialize without picking up a drink, how can you be social without picking up a drink and how you can have fun with friends without drinking.

This post was created for the sober and sober curious looking for relatable, inspiring sober-positive content. The following are Yasmin’s experiences, words and opinions. Enjoy :)

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How do you gain confidence and navigate social situations?

Being curious is always helpful. People generally enjoy talking about themselves, so if you’re ever unsure of what to say, find something genuine about the person. It could be as simple as noticing an interesting tie they’re wearing or complimenting their beautiful eyes.

They will appreciate the kindness and you can follow up with questions like how they know the host or how their weekend was. Even if it feels a bit forced at first, starting with compliments tends to put people at ease and make the conversation flow. Once you’re in the flow, you won’t feel anxious anymore. So, giving yourself permission to ask surface-level questions and offering compliments is a great way to initiate a conversation.

That’s fantastic advice. I find compliments to be an awesome icebreaker because they show that you’re kind and create a safe space for conversation. Starting with a compliment and having a few follow-up questions that are relatable to everyone, such as how they know the host or company, can help ease the tension.

Do you ever experience anxiety before certain events? If so, how do you motivate yourself or take action to open up and be more receptive, even when you’re feeling nervous?

I do get anxious before certain events, and I think that admitting and expressing that nervousness is important. Why do we have to pretend to be confident and unaffected? We don’t need to keep it a secret. So, I try to be open and honest about my feelings.

I acknowledge that I’m positive and present, but I also let others know that I’m a bit scared. I appreciate the duality of life, being both nervous and excited. By acknowledging these mixed emotions, it allows me to breathe and takes some of the pressure off. It humanizes the experience and makes it easier to connect with others who might be feeling the same way. Being vulnerable and open helps create deeper connections.

It’s empowering to embrace both nervousness and excitement.

It takes away the pressure of pretending to have it all together and allows us to connect on a more authentic level. When we humanize ourselves, we also humanize others, recognizing that we all have our own struggles and conflicting emotions. It’s about showing up as our genuine selves and finding comfort in social spaces.