Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

For information about listening to Vermont Public Radio, please go here.

Awesome Etiquette: Explaining Your Decision To Give Up Alcohol

Liquor control officials say modern-day bootleggers are using Vermont as a route to transport tax-free alcohol from New Hampshire to New York.
Sophia Yartseva
/
iStock
Giving up drinking alcohol is a personal lifestyle choice which requires no explanation to others; however, it may be useful information for someone like a dinner party host.

Dinner parties and social events often include the consumption of wine, beer or cocktails. But when you make a decision to cut alcohol out of your life, how do you inform your circle of friends with whom you usually share a few drinks? What do you say if they ask why? And should you make a dinner party host aware of your lifestyle change?

First and foremost, you don't need to give any reason. But if asked, an easy answer could be that you're not drinking right now or you decided to take a break. Then, turn the conversation to another topic; like how wonderful the food smells. But if you had typically brought a bottle of wine to a party, it might be helpful to let friends know ahead of time so they don't count on you to provide a libation.

It's also a good idea to share information about your lifestyle choice when you R.S.V.P. to a dinner party. It's not as if you owe an explanation, you're simply providing a courtesy to the host. Similarly to informing someone of a food allergy.

To hear more on this topic and what a suitable hostess gift is for this situation, listen to our podcast of Awesome Etiquette.  

Latest Stories