“Let’s meet for a drink” is the way many get togethers are born - whether it’s a date, a business meeting, or a social gathering with friends. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, you may have depended on a drink or two to help you feel better about yourself in social situations.

This could mean that you feel more social, sexy, pretty, or funny after a few drinks. The truth is, however, if you’ve ever checked yourself in the mirror in the bathroom halfway through the night....you’ll likely agree that drinking isn’t really a good look on you. The same thing goes for the aforementioned goals we are trying to achieve...most of the time we’re accomplishing quite the opposite.

Since this is an experiment, it’s the perfect time to try out some different things and “experiment” with new activities. Instead of “meeting for a drink” after work, try taking your shiftmates to a spin class. Take your date for a picnic sans the champagne and instead with a flavored water. Meeting for brunch or coffee on a Sunday morning is a great alternative. If you’re an introvert, embrace it and love who you were made to be. If going out to loud, chaotic bars requires you to drink in order to feel comfortable, then it’s okay to opt out and instead spend a quiet night in with a good book and a cup of tea or hot cocoa. I guarantee you’ll feel a whole lot better in the morning when you wake up!

A great way to get comfortable with others is to ask questions. You’ll find that people love to talk about themselves and this is a great way to break the ice. Make a list of new ways to meet people that don’t involve drinking. We live in a world with a lot of resources, so get creative and utilize those resources. The possibilities are endless.