“I’m just taking it easy tonight.”
A simple line that does a lot of heavy lifting.
“I’m just taking it easy tonight.”
“Not going too hard — got an early one tomorrow.”
“I’m on a bit of a reset.”
“I’m good for now, thanks.”
Bonus tip
Hold a drink. Sparkling water, lime and soda, ginger beer — anything that signals “I’m sorted.”
It reduces the back-and-forth.
When you’re cutting back, social stuff can get awkward. People ask questions. Offer top-ups. Make it a bigger deal than it needs to be.
This line keeps it simple. It sets a boundary without making it a big deal.
You don’t owe anyone a reason. But having a line like this in your pocket makes the night feel smoother — and more on your terms.
See more easy ways to say no.
You’re not alone
“My main strategy is being upfront and saying, ‘I’m not drinking tonight.”
Shikha, Bruce

Still thinking about it?
Change can feel subtle at first. It might be quiet, but it’s real — here’s what to notice.
Here’s what people often notice first:
- Better sleep. Even just one less can change how you wind down — and how you wake up.
- Less fog. Your brain might feel a bit sharper. Less clunky mid-afternoon.
- More awareness. That moment of “Do I actually want this?” — that’s a shift.
Still not sure? That’s normal too. But you’re not where you were last week.
Cutting back isn’t all-or-nothing — you call the shots. It’s about choosing less when it feels right.
- Set limits. Pick numbers that work for you.
- Pick moments. Choose when to skip, when to say yes.
- Stay flexible. You call the shots.
Cutting back isn’t about perfection. It’s about trying, learning, and adjusting. When nights don’t go to plan, here’s how to reset.
- Reframe. One night doesn’t undo your efforts.
- Reflect. What triggered it?
- Reset. Tomorrow is another choice.
Up next
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Read more: “I’m just taking it easy tonight.”
“I’m just taking it easy tonight.”
A simple line that does a lot of heavy lifting.
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Read more: A few drinks fewer, a lot more energy
A few drinks fewer, a lot more energy
Cut back a little — feel it a lot.
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Read more: Dealing with triggers before they catch you
Dealing with triggers before they catch you
Spot the patterns early and set yourself up to feel good.
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Read more: Dodging drink pressure without awkwardness
Dodging drink pressure without awkwardness
When friends ask, here’s how to keep it light.
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Read more: How to design your own dry(ish) weekend
How to design your own dry(ish) weekend
Plan your weekend so it feels fun — and leaves you clearer.
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Read more: Making Friday nights feel different
Making Friday nights feel different
Reward yourself with the gift of a weekend free from hangovers.
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Read more: Making new habits that support what you want
Making new habits that support what you want
Adding new routines helps change stick.
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Read more: Refreshing swaps that hit the spot
Refreshing swaps that hit the spot
Swaps work best when they feel like a treat.
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Read more: Soft ways to explain when you’re not sure
Soft ways to explain when you’re not sure
Keep your answer short, true, and easy to say.
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Read more: Tiny wins that stack up fast
Tiny wins that stack up fast
Progress adds up, even when it’s quiet.


