I really enjoy spending time with a friend or two, and occasionally we get tickets to shows.
Often before, during and after they will want to get drinks.
I don't mind a drink or too but I find the prices, especially cocktails, incredibly expensive at bars and theatres, so I personally would rather not get lots of drinks.
I don't want to feel like I'm being overly frugal. I just don't get value out of spending money on alcohol like that.
Obviously, I could just meet them as the show starts and leave straight away afterwards, which is a shame, but it's kind of awkward when they want to get drinks in the interval.
I could just say I'll get my own and just get myself a soft drink, but it's uncomfortable.
We are in the UK. I have one friend who doesn't have excess money but she's very generous with her tips. She will often tip 50% of what we've spent.
I really enjoy her friendship, but that's not something I can do, and it makes me feel stingy if I don't match it.
Is there any easy way to make this a more comfortable, does anybody have a similar situation occasionally?
How do you get out of buying rounds of drinks when you are with your friends
byu/ShesCurly inFrugal
Posted by ShesCurly
8 Comments
Just tell your friends that you don’t want a drink. The more times you do it, the less awkward it will be.
Buy the first round, prime the pump, they’ll buy you drinks the rest of the night.
If someone is tipping 50% of the bill that’s excessive, especially in the UK.
if that’s your goal you have to get comfortable just saying no. don’t worry about what your friend’s tipping, just say no. no excuses, no justifications, just say no. you could pull out the sorry i’m sober card if you really want an excuse not to drink but i’d rather not have to pull out that card frankly
What the friend tips is not of your concern. Just drink water.
What if you meet up to have dinner at a inexpensive place instead of doing expensive drinks or have them over to your place for dinner or drinks before and then all go to the show together?
Whenever I go to the theater the drinks/food at that spot are very pricey but usually there’s a few places close by that are a decent option. You could also simply tell your friends you don’t like drinking and that you’re on a budget and need to only pay for your own. It’s really not as out of the norm as you think it is. It’ll only be a little awkward the one time (if at all).
i usually just say i’m sticking to one drink tonight or switching to soda after the first round, most friends don’t care as much as it feels like they will in your head.
Just… don’t do it