It’s almost 2023, baby! New year, new me…right? 

New Years Eve is right around the corner which means that dry January will soon be here. If you’re not familiar with the term “Dry January” refers to when people stop drinking for the first month of the year to help detox from excessive drinking over the holiday season. 

According to a 2021 US survey, excessive drinking during the pandemic increased by 21% of adults surveyed. Alcohol dependency and deaths have gone up drastically over the past two years, which is why many people are becoming “sober curious”.

Sober curious means that you have not completely given up alcohol, but you’re open to learning and exploring life without it.  Curiosity about being sober may come from a number of reasons, a few being; you’re tired of feeling hungover, you don’t enjoy the feeling anymore, you’re looking to be more productive, etc. 

“But how can I even date sober?” is a question I’ve gotten from my coaching clients for years. For as long as alcohol has been around, people have been using it to help curb their anxiety and nervousness. This is especially true for those dating after a divorce. 

If you’re sober-curious, partaking in dry January, or just interested in getting to know a potential date in a more clear state of mind, be proactive and suggest one of these sober date ideas instead of “Wanna grab a drink?”: 

• Check out a comedy show

• Go for a walk with coffee

• Take a cooking class together

• Kick-butt at trivia night

• Go roller/ice-skating

• Take turns sucking at putt-putt

• Be a tourist in your own city

1. Check out a comedy show
Comedy shows are some of my favorite dates. It allows you to laugh and get to know your date's sense of humor in a low-pressure environment (unless it's open mic, which I do not recommend). If the venue requires a two-drink minimum many places have amazing mocktails. 

2. Go for a walk with coffee
If you’ve been following my advice for some time you'll know I always suggest two location dates. If you're just getting back out there after your divorce and not looking to sit across the table from a stranger for a first date, coffee and a leisurely walk is a great alternative. Be sure to pick a coffee shop that has a scenic spot or park nearby. 

3. Take a cooking class together
Women and men love effort when it comes to dating, but too much effort too soon (like a first date) is a turn-off. For a second date, a cooking class is a fun switch from the usual dinner and drinks. It allows you to do an activity while chatting with your date, with the added benefit of eating at the end. Cooking classes can be found on websites like Groupon or Living Social.

4. Kick-butt at trivia night
Although many trivia events are found at bars or restaurants, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all sights of alcohol to enjoy a fun sober date. I recommend a trivia night for a fourth or fifth date. Depending on how open you are with introductions, this is an entertaining and non-threatening way to introduce your friends to your new love interest as well. 

5. Go roller/ice-skating
Going skating is such a fun way of doing something active on a date. I just sent a matchmaking client out ice-skating and they had such a fun time laughing and feeling like teenagers again - at 50! Pro-tip* wear a little extra butt padding just in case you fall.

6. Take turns sucking at putt-putt
I love this option because there are so many indoor and outdoor putt-putt places popping up. Putt putt (or even TopGolf) are great date activities to flex a little athletic skill and to playfully tease your date. Getting a little competitive on a sober date can be a great way to liven things up. 

7. Be a tourist in your own city
No matter how long you've lived in your town, there are probably things you haven't seen before. Use Airbnb or Eventbrite for a walking, segway, culinary, or even a ghost tour as a fun experience on your next sober date! Your date will thank you for switching it up from their past dates!

Lastly, here are a few non-alcoholic drinks to try in case you’re partaking in dry January or you’re just looking to cut back. 

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