Author Topic: Rounds of Drinks  (Read 7737 times)

vagon

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Rounds of Drinks
« on: August 25, 2014, 06:42:16 PM »
So I used to spend significant amount of my income on drinks out with friends, my solution so far has been to decrease the amount of times I go out which has worked reasonably well.
Problem is when I do go out its the social norm to get into a round, which can lead to over-consumption of booze.

Given I really value these friends "changing friends" is not an option, so can anyone share any tactics they have employed in a similar situation?

Cheddar Stacker

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2014, 06:55:16 PM »
Buy 1 round if you feel you have to, but be sure to explain to your friends you are going to be "taking it easy at the bars from now on." If they are really your friends tell them why. If you think they would react negatively either don't explain why or consider whether they really are great friends.

As long as you don't come accross as a jerk you should be fine. Also, maybe volunteer for DD duty more often. Nothing for me tonight guys, I'm driving.

vagon

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2014, 07:31:18 PM »
Yet again I am reminded that the answer is often simple and right in front of you. Thanks for leading the horse to water Cheddar.

2ndTimer

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2014, 07:33:50 PM »
The Hub has been doing the DD thing at work social functions for years.  They still invite him.

LadyStache

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2014, 07:38:45 PM »
You could also try inviting your friends over to your place for a round of drinks before going out (pre-gaming), or suggesting that you guys enjoy your drinks at each other's homes instead.

boarder42

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #5 on: August 25, 2014, 07:45:18 PM »
^^^^ this. I pretty much only go to social engagements at friends places now. This weekend was a baconfest 50 bucks a person all you can drink and eat bacon and beers. My wife and I have found we are starting to get burnt out on this.  But a friend was having a pretty party. So we went their and hungout. Without dropping 100 on the festival.

sol

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #6 on: August 25, 2014, 07:47:28 PM »
If you ever find yourself hanging with a crowd of people that reacts poorly when someone deliberately reduces their alcohol consumption, you probably know an alcoholic or two.

Just tell them you're cutting back.  No explanation needed.  That shouldn't be a problem for anyone.

socaso

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #7 on: August 25, 2014, 07:50:38 PM »
I like the DD idea! Never thought of that before. Another thing I might suggest are home entertainments. Do you or your friends have any of the following: a grill, a game system, a collection of board games, other shared entertainments? Or maybe a movie night? Just something you could do as a group activity but at home. That way you only have to buy a six pack/bottle of wine/whatever. If you grill out everyone just brings their own stuff to throw on the grill.

vagon

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #8 on: August 25, 2014, 08:23:29 PM »
^^^^ this. I pretty much only go to social engagements at friends places now. This weekend was a baconfest 50 bucks a person all you can drink and eat bacon and beers. My wife and I have found we are starting to get burnt out on this.  But a friend was having a pretty party. So we went their and hungout. Without dropping 100 on the festival.


Haha bacon fest sounds amazing! Well done on resisting too - not sure I could have done that!

I like the DD idea! Never thought of that before. Another thing I might suggest are home entertainments. Do you or your friends have any of the following: a grill, a game system, a collection of board games, other shared entertainments? Or maybe a movie night? Just something you could do as a group activity but at home. That way you only have to buy a six pack/bottle of wine/whatever. If you grill out everyone just brings their own stuff to throw on the grill.

We really dont have enough room to entertain more than a handful of people in our apartment and I'm trying to resist upgrading to a bigger place given Sydney's real estate market. That said no reason why we couldnt encourage others with bigger properties to do the same.

crshieh

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #9 on: August 25, 2014, 08:42:42 PM »
I enjoy drinking at home more.  Even if I buy all the drinks and invite all my friends, it is a lot cheaper than going out.  Think about how much 24 beers cost outside, with tip.

Now, if you're going out anyway, I shoot for THE FIRST ROUND every time.  It goes a longggg way. 
1. People remember it because they were conscious then, there's a strong impression because you jumped out to be "the first",
2. and when people are tipsy their wallets are also looser.
3. If you feel guilty your friends start balling too hard, then go home - or buy another round. 

LadyStache

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #10 on: August 25, 2014, 08:43:49 PM »

We really dont have enough room to entertain more than a handful of people in our apartment and I'm trying to resist upgrading to a bigger place given Sydney's real estate market. That said no reason why we couldnt encourage others with bigger properties to do the same.

Is there anywhere you and your friends could go that is BYOB? A restaurant or park perhaps? Someone's backyard?

James

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2014, 08:50:45 PM »
We really dont have enough room to entertain more than a handful of people in our apartment and I'm trying to resist upgrading to a bigger place given Sydney's real estate market. That said no reason why we couldnt encourage others with bigger properties to do the same.


Lots of good advice here, certainly going to be some advice that doesn't work for you. And also certainly going to be things you try or think of trying that won't work. Don't get discourage and don't give up. Keep trying to think of ideas, but more importantly take action on the ideas you do have. And when some backfire, roll with it and try something else. I have no doubt that you will come away a winner at some point.

vagon

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2014, 09:16:22 PM »
I enjoy drinking at home more.  Even if I buy all the drinks and invite all my friends, it is a lot cheaper than going out.  Think about how much 24 beers cost outside, with tip.

Now, if you're going out anyway, I shoot for THE FIRST ROUND every time.  It goes a longggg way. 
1. People remember it because they were conscious then, there's a strong impression because you jumped out to be "the first",
2. and when people are tipsy their wallets are also looser.
3. If you feel guilty your friends start balling too hard, then go home - or buy another round. 

Yeah first rounding does backfire on me though as I drink a bit too fast normally. Another thing I'm working on!

Is there anywhere you and your friends could go that is BYOB? A restaurant or park perhaps? Someone's backyard?

Yeah for sure, I think around summer this will be more doable. I'll have to think up a good beach to get to via public transport too.

Lots of good advice here, certainly going to be some advice that doesn't work for you. And also certainly going to be things you try or think of trying that won't work. Don't get discourage and don't give up. Keep trying to think of ideas, but more importantly take action on the ideas you do have. And when some backfire, roll with it and try something else. I have no doubt that you will come away a winner at some point.

Thanks James!

pdxvandal

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2014, 11:51:00 PM »
He who buys first, buys less and is remembered longest! :)

SummerLovin

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2014, 02:29:25 PM »
Being a DD is a good idea if they don't get too wasted.  After a few times of being sober around a bunch of drunks, you'll wonder why the heck you still hang with them.
Do you know what it is that you enjoy about hanging out with these friends?  If it's really their company, then suggest things you can do instead that don't cost much money or require alcohol.  Are nights the only time you can spend with them, or is there flexibility to do some daytime activities? That opens up many more options, especially in the summer months.  Winter is challenging for those places that actually have one.
If they are true friends that you really care about, share the site with them, especially the article "A Millionaire is Made Ten Buck at at Time", they should understand where you are coming from, and they might even get on board.  You can also try talking to them individually about what you are trying to do, then when you all get together there wont be as much "peer pressure".

steveo

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Re: Rounds of Drinks
« Reply #15 on: August 26, 2014, 03:32:25 PM »
I reckon you just stop meeting them in these situations. Its not good for you.

I know because I've done it plenty of times.