Respect and Manners are our common bonds as civilized people. Please see
www.janpolk.com for information on Respect Awards for children, teenagers, and adults. This project is sponsored by artist Jan Polk.
1. If you don't want to drink alcohol at a party, order white soda with lime and then carry it until the ice melts. Then get more ice. It's no one else's business whether you are having a "real" drink or not.
2. There are many reasons not to drink alcohol. There are religious reasons, health reasons (alcochol doesn't mix with some medications), you never know who just became pregnant and isn't ready to announce it yet, designated drivers, former alcoholics, and those who simply don't like the taste.
3. It is customary to have a round of drinks while looking at the menu. A good host offers beverages, but never insists that guests drink alcohol. It also keeps your bar bill down.
4. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is not smart. Eat something, anything. Try having some yogurt before going to a cocktail party. It will coat the lining of your stomach and slow down the absorption rate of the alcohol.
5. Holding a drink and a plate of appetizers and shaking hands is quite a trick. Finish the food first, and then hold the drink in your left hand. This keeps your right hand dry and available for greeting newcomers.
