Can You Date Sober? How to Dry-Date (without having a dry date).
Long-term teetotaller? Trying to cut back on the booze?
Wherever you are on the sober scale, planning dates that don’t necessarily revolve around drinks can often feel like a struggle. Kicking back a couple of cocktails might be the default for a fun first date, but it’s important to feel comfortable - whether you drink or not.
Interestingly enough, there also seems to be a cultural shift in people’s attitudes towards drinking. A 2018 study showed that a third of 16-24 year olds are now teetotal. Of those, 50% said that they hadn’t had a drink in the past week (up from 35% in 2005).
Perhaps that number will continue to rise - and perhaps not. Until then, we’ve put together a handy list of 5 alcohol-free date ideas. These options will help you to date dry - without having a dry date.
1) Something active (bowling, ice-skating or mini golf)
Classic, active and full of fun; these dates are great for getting hearts pumping and the conversation flowing. Alcohol’s useful for lowering your social inhibitions - but as it turns out, embarrassing yourself with a fun activity can actually have the same effect. Once you’re out of your comfort zone, it’s much easier to relax and be yourself.
2) An escape room
Bypass the standard cinema date and opt for an escape room with a high-stakes challenge. These dates are great for getting the adrenaline pumping, laughs going and getting a different type of buzz (solving clues). You’ll need your wits about you for a date like this, so keeping it minimal on the drinks can only help.
3) A food or farmers’ market
Safe to say: the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach. Pull the focus towards food, rather than drinks and spend your date enjoying some quality snacks. Hot tip: look out for food festivals near you - and check out the upcoming Inner Circle stand at Taste of London in June.
4) A walk - or light hike
A wholesome way to get your heart racing. Whether it’s a gentle stroll or a weekend climb, a walk / light hike is a great way to connect with your date. Make it a picnic with some low-ABV drinks or keep it clean and green with smoothies.
4) Grab a coffee (or tea)
Not-so-fussed about activities? Swap out the beers for coffee (or tea). Coffee dates are just as intimate as going for drinks - and a great way to get to know someone, one-on-one. Bonus points if you pick an artisanal coffee house - or somewhere that photographs nicely.
