Friend’s Date Gets Too Drunk: Was Swapping Drinks a Bad Idea?

We’ve all been there – a fun night out with friends, everyone’s enjoying a few drinks, and suddenly someone takes it a bit too far. That’s exactly what happened when Abby (29F) invited her friends to meet her new boyfriend, Mark, over dinner and drinks. But when Mark starts getting a little too tipsy, Abby’s friend (34M) decides to take matters into his own hands.

The Night Begins

Intention: Get Tipsy

Dinner In and Drinks Flowing ️

The ‘Bartender’ Steps In

Mark Gets Drunker

The College Drunk Zone

Wife and Abby Notice

The Sneaky Swap ️‍♂️

Mark, None the Wiser ‍♂️

The Aftermath: Abby Calls ☎️

Abby’s Accusation

Still Mad at the ‘Bartender’

Abby’s Argument ️

The Verdict: Sneaky or Justified?

In a whirlwind of emotions, Abby is upset at her friend for giving her date too much alcohol, but also for swapping out the booze with plain mixers. She argues that her friend should have just cut Mark off completely, instead of trying to trick him. Was the friend’s sneaky move justified, or should he have taken a more direct approach? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation.

Swapping drinks with friend’s date: NTA, Abby is blaming you

NTA. You didn’t ply him with drinks or suggest he drink more.

Don’t enable addiction. NTA. Watch out for Abby.

Ex-partner’s addiction experience offers valuable insight. NTA.

Swapping drinks was a smart move to avoid a scene.

You’re not responsible for him, NTA. She’s the a**hole

Swapping drinks was a graceful solution to a drunk date. NTA.

Swapping drinks not to blame. Concern for Abby warranted. NTA.

Responsible drink swapping saves date from alcohol poisoning

ESH mildly for swapping drinks with drunk friend’s date

Enabler or not? Commenter defends drunk friend.

Bartender’s perspective: You cut him off, not your fault. NTA

NTA. Being a good friend means looking out for them

Responsible move, but Abbey needs to grow up. #NTA

Not the a**hole. Friend’s date’s drinking problem, not your responsibility.

Swapping drinks wasn’t the problem. Mark may have an alcohol problem

Swapping drinks with a drunk friend: ESH situation gone wrong

Swapping drinks with drunk date: NTA, but hilarious misunderstanding.

Don’t feel guilty for his drinking problem. NTA

Good call on swapping drinks, NTA. Can’t control his actions

Cutting off the drunk date: NTA, but projecting girlfriend is.

Bartenders have bouncers for a reason. NTA for swapping drinks

Friend’s date gets drunk, commenter defends swapping drinks.

Bartender-approved fake drinks save the day. NTA for swapping.

Swapping drinks with a drunk friend: NTA or ESH?

Don’t be Abby, take responsibility for your actions

Avoided a scene by swapping drinks with drunk friend. NTA

Cutting him off would’ve led to a fight, NTA

NTA, commenter suggests stepping back from hanging with Abby and Mark

Defending against blame for friend’s drunk date

Abby’s being unreasonable, but at least you’re a good friend

NTA for swapping drinks, but friend’s date needs help

Abby should confront Mark about the drinking problem. NTA.

Dodged a bullet with a red flag . NTA.

NTA, don’t blame yourself for his behavior.

Don’t blame the bartender for someone else’s bad choices.

Former bartender advises on cutting off drunk friend at party

Don’t let your friend blame-shift their drinking problem onto you

Letting a grown man drink is not your responsibility.

Fake drinks to prevent drunkenness? Clever or deceitful?

Swapping drinks: harmless or irresponsible? One commenter says NTA.

Clever trick to help a drunk friend without more alcohol.

NTA for trying to mediate a drunk’s behavior at Abby’s.

Don’t play bartender, let the host handle it. NTA.

Cutting off a drunk friend: NTA or bad host?

Swapping drinks not a bad idea, NTA. He needs self-control.

Not her problem ‍♀️ Let’s not blame the sober friend.

Don’t blame the drink swapper for an alcoholic’s actions.

Not responsible for Mark’s alcoholism. Abby should leave him.

Mixing drinks for a drunk date? NTA, it’s not your responsibility

Swapping drinks with friend’s date was not the problem. NTA.

Commenter questions why the blame is on OP for friend’s date’s behavior.

You’re not responsible for his alcoholism. NTA

Cutting off drunk date was diplomatic. Friend can’t blame you.

Recovering alcoholic shares insight, suggests stash and high tolerance. NTA

Don’t take the blame for someone else’s actions!

You did the right thing by swapping drinks. NTA

Hosting fail: guest forced to play bartender and cut off drunk

‍♀️ Don’t blame Abby, blame her boyfriend’s drinking problem.

Drink swapping not to blame for friend’s drunken behavior. NTA.

Swapping drinks may have led to friend’s excessive drinking

Don’t blame the drink swap, blame the drunk boyfriend

Swapping drinks not the issue, friend’s alcohol behavior is. NTA.

Not your responsibility, NTA ‍♀️

You’re not responsible for his alcohol intake

Mark is solely responsible for his drinking. Abby should break off.

Don’t be a bartender for someone else’s date! NTA

Don’t let your friend’s relationship drama become your problem. NTA

Don’t be a**hole bartender, but Abby should have helped too

Don’t take the blame for someone else’s drinking problem.

Friend blames you for date’s behavior? NTA, major red flag

Responsibility lies with the drinker, not the one who swapped drinks. ‍♀️

Red flag alert! NTA for not being Mark’s nanny.

Don’t take the blame for someone else’s actions.

Understanding alcoholism: Cutting off an alcoholic won’t change anything

Be careful when swapping drinks, liability laws can be strict!