Dry Dating in 2024: What to Know for a Sober Dating Life

Dry dating is the act of going on a date without drinking alcohol. Some people think that it leads to more meaningful connections, since you're not relying on liquid courage.

Everyone knows that alcohol makes a huge difference. Social lubrication creates connections between people. But after awhile, you might notice that friends keep coming and going. Things aren't as fun as they used to be, even when you drink. All you want is a genuine connection.

Women should definitely consider dry dating. Without alcohol, you can say goodbye to dating experiences where you feel unsafe. You have better judgment when sober, and there's less of a chance you'll do something you regret.

Maybe going alcohol free is the answer you've been looking for?

The dry dating trend rose in popularity during the pandemic. People wanted connection, but they couldn't go somewhere to drink. Eventually, they noticed how it felt to not drink, and they preferred it.

Everyone knows alcohol makes dating better. Why would you want to cut it out? Well, when you rely on alcohol, you might find yourself becoming lonelier and lonelier. You can't have a good time without alcohol consumption, and you start feeling different and separated from everyone around you.

If you go on an alcohol free date or two, you might find that you weren't going on dates with another person -- but the alcohol.

People talk about liquid courage. What about having real inner courage that you can always use, no matter the situation?

Now, none of this is an attack or judgment on those who drink regularly. You might feel lonely because of alcohol; we're not suggesting that you do.

"Without alcohol, you have to actually care about and listen to the other person." That's one of the strongest arguments. That doesn't mean it automatically applies to you.

Ultimately, you have to ask yourself how this article makes you feel.

Nowadays, dating apps show drinking habits right there on the profile. It might be enough to select "doesn't drink alcohol" or "alcohol free" on your profile, and you don't need to say anything more about it.

It's okay to have a specific relationship to alcohol, but not everyone shares it. If you get too serious about it, you may risk alienating someone. In some cases it's better to simply live your truth than to talk a lot about it.

Of course, you can also meet new people by being very serious about your drinking habits! It's also okay to choose not to date someone because they drink. Whether you should propose a dry date or not, this is something you'll have to figure out for yourself.

Also, here's a life hack: a lot of people like to do Dry January. Even heavy drinkers do Dry January. If you're "sober curious," you can find other people who are, too.

Let's start with the cons. Sober dating feels like mostly cons at first. The pros come later. Here are the cons and pros of dry dating:

Cons:

1. You're limiting the people you can meet

   
   

2. People may not agree or understand

   
   

3. It can be quite hard at first

   
   

4. The first date will probably be awkward

   
   

Pros:

1. You're forced to be more vulnerable and awkward

   
   

2. You can build a stronger connection since you aren't relying on alcohol

   
   

3. More consistent energy levels

   
   

4. Save money

   
   

5. You'll never feel out of your element

   
   

6. Better judgment and less chance you'll get taken advantage of

Do these pros and cons apply to you? You'll only know if you try. If you're not having a hard time with dating or keeping long-term friendships and relationships, then don't fix what ain't broken. If, however, you feel like you need a change, this is one option you can try.

1. Know what's really sexy? Sober dating.

   
   

2. Just so you know I'm not planning on drinking tonight.

   
   

3. My drinking days are behind me, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun.

   
   

4. I used to find people interesting only when I drank, but I haven't had a drop and I know I'm interested in you.

   
   

5. Hey babe, want to make responsible choices tonight?

   
   

6. What say we get sloshed on some non-alcoholic beers?

   
   

7. You make me feel like I have beer goggles on, even when I don't.

   
   

8. Every round of waters is on me.

   
   

9. I can't wait to sleep with you and not regret it in the morning.

   
   

10. How about an evening of honest conversation?