It’s amazing how quickly your cash can leave your purse or wallet at the pub.
Admittedly this is sometimes hard to do, but when you are with friends at the pub or in a bar…
DON’T TOUCH THE SALTY SNACKS! They are only there to make you drink more.
And, guys especially, if you have a bit of willpower and are about to have a session with the boys…
… go the first round or two on soft drink – straight tonic water or even water is best. Any old excuse will do. That first beer is still waiting for you, but you will have saved a few dollars already. And, because you are…er…less inebriated, you will make better decisions than the others. Like leaving early and just saying no more often – one of the secrets of a successful life by the way!
Incidentally, never feel embarrassed not to drink. Like all habits, the less you do something, the easier it becomes. Drinking is an expensive hobby. Certainly, don’t ever feel sorry for the publican. Remember, he makes more profit out of you drinking his soft drinks than his alcoholic beverages. And salty snacks are his chief wallet emptyers. Even cheap pub meals are there to make sure you down more drinks.
One other thing. Stick to wine and beer. Spirits are for character actors, drunks and cleaning ladies. You can have a much better – and cheaper – time going slow than getting hammered fast. If you have proved over many years that you do have willpower, then a vodka occasionally or a gin and tonic is fine. But a regular night of spirits is for serious drinkers with a healthy bank account and an image problem.