# What to Say When People Ask Why You’re Not Drinking (Confident Comebacks That Actually Work)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327/what-to-say-when-people-ask-why-you-re-not-drinking-confident-comebacks-that-actually-work
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327/what-to-say-when-people-ask-why-you-re-not-drinking-confident-comebacks-that-actually-work.md
Podcast: [ShameOver - The Drink Less Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/shameover-the-drink-less-podcast-6992327)
Published: 2025-12-18T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/fa0b60aa7beeacc7c22aa726a29ef37229a2e9b450b517ac35fba2348557f571/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI2Y2FkZjEyMS03MTAxLTQ2NDAtOWUwZi1hMWRhOGY3MDBhMDciLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzOTNiMTlkMi1hZjAwLTQ1NmYtYjBkZS0yNjM2Njc2YWRlZTQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OGQ1N2M1ZDhkMGQyOTBiMWY5ZWNkNjEiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjk0MWQ5NzlmMmViMTQ0ZmNkN2U2Njg0L2VyaWNhLWFuZC1zaGFtZW92ZXJzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI1LTEyLTE2X18yMy0xMy0xMy5tcDMifQ==.mp3
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Duration seconds: 395

## Resource

One of the hardest parts of drinking less isn’t the drink itself—it’s the questions . “Why aren’t you drinking?” “Just have one.” “Are you pregnant?” 😒 In this short, confidence-boosting episode, Erica Mallery—moderation coach and founder of ShameOver —teaches you how to shut down drink-pushing and awkward questions with ease , so you can stick to your plan without over-explaining or second-guessing yourself. You’ll learn: Why confidence matters more than the words you choose How hesitation invites pressure (and how to stop it) Simple, health-focused, neutral, and sassy drink-declining comebacks What to say when you want to keep it short and move on How to turn awkward moments into non-issues Why other people’s reactions have nothing to do with you This episode helps you stop: People pushing drinks on you Losing self-trust in social situations Feeling awkward or judged for drinking less Explaining yourself when you don’t owe anyone an explanation If you’ve ever searched: what to say when not drinking , how to say no to alcohol , drink less socially , decline drinks without being awkward , or mindful drinking confidence — this episode is for you. Save this episode and come back to it before any event where alcohol is involved . When you know your comeback and say it with confidence, the pressure disappears. To connect with Erica + ShameOver go to shameover.me to get started today. ***Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects personal opinions and lived experience. It is not medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional about your specific situation before making changes to your drinking…

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