[EPAPRN]

So, Im in Newport this weekend for work conference hosted by a medical equipment vendor. I told myself that I am following IP and will not fall off the wagon.

For dinner last night I had simple grilled halibut, salad without dressing, string beans and tons of water. I felt great...but, the problem is, that I was constantly being asked "why aren't you drinking?" or, "are you pregnant?". "What diet are you on?". I really didnt want to broadcast to the world what I am doing or explain everything, but I ended up having to. ALL. NIGHT. LONG.

First it was simple questions like those, then it became "come on, can't you just have a half a glass of wine?", " this cheese doesnt have any carbs", " i cant believe your will power, how do you do it?". My co-workers and our hosts went on to get very happy and buzzed, while I drank ice water all night.

We met people at the bar, and because I wasnt drinking and everyone else was, it was brought to the attention of everyone again, and more questions were directed to me and i had to again answer questions.


What do you guys do in these situations? I tried saying that I was just eating more healthfully and leave it at that, but I kept getting questions. Plus, I am not participating in breakfast or lunch with them, so I am bound to get questions about that too.

[zoesmom]

Simple as this: "Thank you for offering, but no. My reasons are my reasons and I prefer not to go into it. Please respect me when I say no, I don't want any. I don't need any. I am not going to go into it. I am not going to discuss it. Drop the subject, let's move onto something else."

Of course, I am also one of those that doesn't play games, so it is probably easier for me to say that without blinking, but that is what I would say anyways.

[Lizzy63]

I have only been on IP for about 4 weeks, but I have way more experience with this kind of question. I gave up drinking 14+ years ago...

Anyhow, for me, it depends who asks. If I don't want to get specific, I just tell people I have a medical condition and I'd rather not talk about the details. That usually stops them cold.

I also often have club soda with a twist of lime when we're out, so everyone just assumes that I'm having a drink, even though I'm not.

It helps that I'm not exactly shy and don't mind putting people in their place if they are pushy about this!!