Experts Share Top Sober Dating Advice
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Whether you’re going through a health kick or just wanting to cut down on your intake, the summer months are full of events and places that are centred around drinking, which can be particularly hard if you’re dating.
Naturally when many of us think of dating, our mind skips to dimly lit bars and boozy evening meals, which for those of us avoiding drinking, can be particularly tricky.
Thankfully, Nicky Wake, relationship expert and founder of the dating app Chapter2 has shared her tips to enjoy sober dating this summer
“For starters don’t make the date about ‘not drinking’ when the time comes to order a drink, just say ‘I’m not drinking at the moment’ and opt for something non-alcoholic. If you decide to lead by making excuses regarding pretend medications or driving, you are giving your partner the indication that your sobriety is a one off occasion, and for many people, this isn’t the case.
To avoid being stuck in a bar with a date who is potentially getting more and more drunk alone, take a lead on the activity. From hiking to climbing, there are various activities that you can do which are completely alcohol free. If you prefer more city based activities, look at exploring local museums or galleries.
Major cities like London and Manchester will have a variety of sober based activities, from pop up sober cafes to sober club events!
Watch out for red flags and stick with your gut. Sobriety is more popular than ever, particularly among younger generations. There is no shame to not wanting to drink on a date and you should never feel pressured into joining in, just because somebody else’s drinking. Realistically, if they can’t respect your boundaries early on, it’s unlikely that they’ll respect them in the future.”
Tricia Cusden, Founder of Look Fabulous Forever also commented on how, particularly women, can feel confident in a sober setting:
“Many of us can often rely on a bit of liquid confidence to feel more at ease when dating but, for those who are avoiding drinking, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re going into any date with your head held high.
“My top tip would be to wear colour, be that clothing or make-up – this will make you stand out and feel visible. Taking the time on your appearance ahead of a date will only increase your confidence and self-esteem.
“If you asked me what the most important makeup item for feeling confident is, it would always be lipstick – it adds definition back to the mouth and make lips look fuller – perfect for a date!”
