DEAR HARRIETTE: I drink an alcoholic beverage about four times a year. I am scared because I feel like I may binge the next time I drink. I do not want that to happen to me because I do not like the feeling of being drunk. What can I do to ensure I will not fall off the wagon in the future? -- Cautious Drinker, Brooklyn, New York
DEAR CAUTIOUS DRINKER: Ask yourself the tough questions. Why do you drink so infrequently? Is it because you do not really like to drink, or is it because you are afraid that you cannot control your drinking? If it is the latter, you are better off just not drinking at all. Clearly, you have the ability to resist the temptation to drink, given how infrequently you do it. You may just want to commit to the notion of not including alcoholic beverages on your consumption list.
If you do not think it is a problem, you can avoid getting drunk by eating before drinking and limiting your alcoholic intake to one or two drinks. People tend to get drunk when they don't monitor their consumption. Being cautious is wise.
A few ways to practice being cautious when you are at a social function include: getting hydrated before you arrive at the event, drinking water in between drinks, staying away from the bar, talking to people in other areas of the room and not accepting a drink when offered. If you do not want to drink at all, you can let your friends know that you will be the designated driver for the evening. That will prompt them not to offer you drinks.
(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)