If there’s one thing people in this country have a strong opinion on, it’s alcohol.
Whether you’re sober by choice, for health, for religion, or just because alcohol never appealed to you, you’ll know all too well the kind of comments that come along with it. Oh, and don’t forget the unnecessary, awkward, sometimes downright rude questions people love to toss your way the second they notice your glass isn’t filled with wine. Some are meant to be funny, some are just nosy, and some come with a side of judgement. They’re all annoying.
If you don’t drink, chances are you’ve heard these way too many times, and you’re more than a little tired of explaining yourself.
1. “Are you pregnant or something?”
This one’s the classic go-to, especially for women. As soon as you say no to wine, people assume you must be expecting. It’s invasive, reductive, and honestly, none of anyone’s business. Not drinking doesn’t have to be justified with a life event or a major reason. Sometimes it just means… you don’t feel like it. That should be enough.
2. “Come on, just one won’t hurt.”
Yes, actually, it might. For some people, one drink is a slippery slope. For others, it just ruins their sleep or messes with their anxiety. But even if it didn’t do any of that, “just one” still isn’t a reason to drink. The pressure to drink socially is outdated. Respecting someone’s “no” without treating it like a challenge shouldn’t be that hard.
3. “You must be so boring at parties.”
Why do people assume fun equals being drunk? Plenty of non-drinkers are the first on the dancefloor, the last to leave, and the ones who remember the inside jokes the next morning. If someone needs alcohol to be entertaining, maybe they’re not actually that interesting without it. Just a thought.
4. “I could never give up wine—good for you, though.”
It’s meant to sound supportive, but it always feels a bit smug. As if not drinking is some kind of saintly trial rather than a personal choice. You don’t need to be “strong” to skip booze. You just need to know what works for you, and that doesn’t have to be dramatic or noble. Also, if someone truly feels like it would be impossible to come away from booze, they should probably deal with that dependency…
5. “Is it for religious reasons?”
This one can get weird fast. Even if it is, not everyone wants to explain their beliefs over a round of cocktails. Plus, if it isn’t, the question still feels like an attempt to put someone in a box. Not everyone drinks. It doesn’t need to come with a label or disclaimer. It’s not only a pointless question because the reasoning doesn’t actually matter, but it’s also personal.
6. “So, what do you do for fun then?”
The implication here is wild, as if drinking is the only way to enjoy life. Non-drinkers travel, laugh, go to gigs, dance, binge-watch rubbish TV… same as everyone else. Fun doesn’t stop at the bar door, and if your idea of fun can’t exist without booze, maybe it’s time to rethink what actually makes you happy.
7. “Were you an alcoholic or something?”
This one crosses the line. Sobriety can be a deeply personal thing, and not everyone who doesn’t drink has a dramatic backstory or recovery journey to share. Assuming there’s trauma behind someone’s drink order is a pretty insensitive leap, and one that can quickly shut down a conversation rather than open one up.
8. “Is it okay if I drink around you?”
This one often comes from a good place, but it can still be awkward. Unless someone’s specifically said they find it triggering, most non-drinkers don’t care what you do with your pint. It’s always kind to ask, but don’t make it a big deal. Just be respectful, same as you would with anything else.
9. “Wow, you must save loads of money.”
Sure, drinks are expensive, but that doesn’t mean sober people are suddenly rolling in extra cash. Life still costs money, and non-drinkers find plenty of ways to spend it. It also makes it sound like the only perk to not drinking is the financial one, which kind of misses the point if someone’s doing it for their health, mental clarity, or just preference.
10. “Do you at least do it on special occasions?”
This one implies there are acceptable times to drink and weird times not to. But again, some people just don’t drink. Ever. Not on birthdays. Not at weddings. Not even for a toast. And that’s completely fine. Not everything in life has to be marked by alcohol to be meaningful or memorable.
11. “You’re no fun when you’re sober.”
This is usually said jokingly, but it hits a little too close to judgement. People can be quiet, calm, or chilled out without that meaning they’re no fun. Everyone has a different vibe. If someone’s personality doesn’t match your party mood, it doesn’t mean they’re dull—it just means they’re different, and that’s allowed.
12. “You’ll start again one day, I bet.”
This kind of comment is frustrating because it assumes your choice is temporary or performative. Like you’re just going through a phase and will eventually “snap out of it.” For many people, not drinking is permanent, and they’re perfectly happy with that. It’s not a bet. It’s a boundary.
13. “That’s so inspiring.”
It’s meant as a compliment, but it can feel patronising. Especially when you weren’t trying to inspire anyone—you just didn’t order a pint. If you admire someone’s choice, that’s great. But maybe save the applause for their actual achievements, not their beverage preferences.
14. “What do you even drink, then?”
This always comes with a confused stare, as if non-drinkers live off air and tap water. The answer is simple: anything else. Mocktails, sparkling water, ginger beer, herbal tea—non-drinkers still enjoy flavour, fizz, and fun. It’s not the drinks menu that’s the issue—it’s the weird energy around it.
