Question

Three friends — Mani, Adil and Ronny met at a marriage party. Mani and Ronny wanted to drink in celebration and compelled Adil, (who has never had a drink before) to join them. They insisted him that he should join them for the sake of friendship. Adil is in a dilemma. On the one hand, he doesn’t want to lose his friendship but on the other he is conscious that nobody in his family drinks alcohol. He has also learnt from his parents that alcohol is harmful for health.

Questions for discussion

1. What are the choices that Adil has?
2. What would you have done if you were in Adil’s place?
3. How else could Adil’s friends have celebrated?

Answer 1

1. Adil can politely refuse to drink, explain that alcohol is harmful and goes against his values, and suggest celebrating in another way. If his friends continue pressuring him, he can move away and seek support from someone he trusts.
2. I would firmly but respectfully say no to alcohol and ask my friends to respect my decision. True friendship should not require me to do something that may harm my health or make me uncomfortable.
3. They could celebrate with soft drinks, share a meal or dessert, dance, play games, or take photographs together without using alcohol.