Setting the scene
Skipping the drinking game: drink safety lesson
Real moments. A few choices. Words that work.
Decide on a brief phrase to use when declining drinks, and practice stepping away from pressure. Practice the moment in a short Surefoot lesson.
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You are at a crowded off-campus house party with a few friends. Everyone is gathered around a table setup for a drinking game, and your friend hands you a cup.
Your friends are cheering and telling you it is your turn to play, but you already decided you do not want to drink tonight.
What is the best way to handle this pressure?
- Say you are sitting this one out and step away from the table.
- Take a small sip just to make them happy and avoid an awkward moment.
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Say you are sitting this one out and step away from the table.
You have the right to decline any drink or game without explaining your personal reasons. If people keep pressuring you after you say no, you do not have to stay and argue. You can keep your response brief, ask a friend to back you up, or move toward a different area or the exit. Choosing not to drink is always enough, and you can stop at any point.
Your next step
Decide on a brief phrase to use when declining drinks, and practice stepping away from pressure.
Words you can use
“I'm sitting this one out.”
Sources: RAINN
Questions about “Skipping the drinking game”
Why is stepping away from the drinking game table an effective move?
Stepping away from the table works because keeping your response brief and physically removing yourself helps you escape the immediate social pressure. Choosing not to drink is always enough, and you do not need to explain your personal reasons to anyone.
Source: RAINN
What can I say to decline playing a drinking game at a party?
You can say "I'm sitting this one out" to clearly decline without needing to give an explanation. Keeping your line short and firm lets you state your decision quickly so you can move on to another area.
Source: RAINN
What should I do if people keep pressuring me after I decline?
If people continue pressuring you after you say no, you do not have to stay and argue with them. You can ask a friend to back you up, or you can walk away toward a different area of the party or the exit.
Source: RAINN
Should I take a small sip just to make my friends happy?
You should not take a sip just to avoid awkwardness or appease others. You have the right to decline any drink without explaining yourself, and you can choose to stop playing or drinking at any point.
Source: RAINN
How can I prepare myself to handle peer pressure before going to a party?
You can prepare by deciding on a brief phrase to use when declining drinks and practicing how you will step away from pressure. Having a planned phrase ready makes it easier to set your boundaries confidently in the moment.
Source: RAINN
Last updated October 12, 2026.