Got A Story To Share?

But, have you uploaded a picture to the mosaic? Do it, and add a few words about how you can stop someone from drinking and driving – perhaps in the past, or even plans you have this year to ensure none of your friends or family get behind the wheels after drinking this holiday season.

I’ll start.

Holiday cocktail parties are lovely – lovely food and drink, festive decor, and dear friends. One thing I suggest is to serve drinks yourself or designate a bartender instead of having an open bar.  People tend to drink more when they serve themselves. Also, avoid serving doubles, keep a jigger next to the bottles to measure accurately.  Serve a variety of low alcohol and alcohol free drinks such as Mocktails, non-alcoholic punch, pop, water, coffee and tea. 

 

Besides a variety of beverages, make sure you have food available to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.  Avoid serving salty, sweet or greasy snack foods; they will make your guests thirstier.  High starch and protein foods such as meat, cheeses, vegetables, dips and breads are good choices.

 

However, there are times when no matter how much food you provide, or how much punch you serve as a responsible host, sometimes a guest enjoys themselves a little too much.  And suddenly, you have a guest who isn’t safe to drive on your hands and she is ready to leave.

 

In this case, it’s a good idea to give your friend a hug, and ask if she’s okay. When she slurs I love you, man you must take her drink away, and replace it with an alcohol free mocktail, or with some water. Tell her how much better it will be if she spends the night, and offer to make up the couch later, if you have no guest room. Tell her you’ll make her pancakes for breakfast, but that she can’t drive now. If she refuses, and insists she must go home, tell her you’ll call her a cab, but that she cannot drive. 

 

Don’t give in.  Persistence is key when dealing with the issue of drinking and driving.  Asking your friend for her keys when she has been drinking does not have to be awkward.  Just be discreet and calm.  It is always better to pull a friend aside and speak to them in private.  If you feel awkward about asking them for their keys, enlist some help.  Sometimes there is strength in numbers.

Don’t let her drive home. Be firm, and simply say no.  Let your friend know that you can not let them drive home because you care. It’s a tough spot to be in but you could save their life.

 

 

Speak up! Deflate the Elephant in the room… friends don’t let friends drink and drive. Not ever.

 

<a href="editor-content.html?cs=utf-8" class="zem_slink" title="Facebook" facebook