The moment

It's Eric's twenty-second birthday, and a group of grad students has met at a bar in Chicago. Eric wants to buy the first round, and he assumes Yuki will have a beer. She doesn't drink, and she says so in one friendly line. Then Eric hits a problem of his own at the bar. Listen for how Yuki says no without making it awkward, and how the night still works out.

The conversation

EricYuki
  1. Eric
  2. Yuki
  3. Eric
  4. Yuki
  5. Eric
  6. Yuki
  7. Eric
  8. Yuki
  9. Eric
  10. Yuki
  11. Eric
  12. Yuki

Words to know

I'll pay for everyone's first drink

rather than guessing without asking

it's common, so don't feel bad

it isn't accepted for this purpose

any drink you choose, alcohol or not

Check yourself

1How does Yuki turn down the beer?
2Why doesn't Eric get a drink with alcohol?
3What does Yuki mean by "the next round's on me, whatever you're drinking"?

Practice · 3 min

Round one: repeat every line after you hear it. Round two: mute Yuki and say her lines, making "That's really sweet, but I don't drink" sound warm and relaxed, not apologetic. Round three: mute Eric. Then say out loud how you'd answer if a friend offered you a drink you didn't want.

  1. EricOkay, first round's on me. Yuki, you want a beer? They've got a great one on tap.
  2. YukiThat's really sweet, but I don't drink. I'd love to try one of the mocktails, though.
  3. EricOh, sorry, I should've asked instead of assuming. Which one?
  4. YukiNo worries, it happens all the time. The ginger and lime one looks good.
  5. EricPerfect. I'll go order before the line gets any longer.
  6. YukiThat was fast. Wait, where's your drink?
  7. EricThe bartender carded me, and I left my passport at home. My student ID doesn't count.
  8. YukiOh no, on your birthday? That's so unfair. You definitely look over 21.
  9. EricApparently not. I guess I'll stick with soda tonight.
  10. YukiHonestly, the mocktails here are amazing. Want to share one with me?
  11. EricSure, why not? At least I won't have a hangover for my eight a.m. class.
  12. YukiSee? Happy birthday, Eric. And the next round's on me, whatever you're drinking.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.