Why my classmates drink

As a result, we have evolved tendencies to support group cohesion by conforming to group norms and shunning non-conformity. So if we tend to associate with people who are like us and engage in similar behaviours, and we start doing things in a way that goes against the group norms, such as not drinking in a social situation, this can be a challenge to the acceptability of that behaviour in the group.

At an almost unconscious level, they can try and resolve this discomfort by encouraging you to start drinking again, just like them. Plan for and rehearse how you will respond before you put yourself in that social drinking situation. Remind yourself of the reasons you are cutting down or stopping drinking. A strong resolution to change your drinking can be an important part of resisting pressure to drink. Think about who in the group might be supportive of your decision to change your drinking behaviour and consider making them an ally.

If they persist with putting pressure on you to drink, you can leave the situation. Tip 1 originally said your friends may undermine your efforts to cut down their drinking, instead of your drinking.

This has been corrected. Portsmouth Climate Festival — Portsmouth, Portsmouth. Edition: Available editions United Kingdom. Become an author Sign up as a reader Sign in. Simon Lenton , Curtin University. But you all have to step up. And that sucks. You can let them do their thing, and you can do yours. If they are going to roll their eyes and sigh and whine, they are disrespecting you.

But guess what? Part of friendship is dealing with the differences that may inconvenience you. To make this work, you have to work together: you need to tell them how you feel and express your anxiety and fear about losing them, along with your need for respect for your decision. You also need to let them do their thing without you sometimes. Need advice? E-mail Rachel!