Alcohol-free dating is on the rise in the queer community
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES/CANVA
Put down the pint and pick up the conversation somewhere new! Sober dating is here to stay, new research finds.
Gen Z have been dubbed the “sober-curious” generation, with Drinkaware finding that 21% of young adults are non-drinkers. In Hinge’s latest Gen Z D.A.T.E report, the dating app found that 36% of LGBTQIA+ daters would prefer a sober activity on a first date, compared to 30% of heterosexual daters. For non-binary daters, this number rises to 45% preferring a sober date.
Hinge’s Lead Relationship Scientist, Logan Ury (she/her), explains why. “One reason Gen Z is sober curious is that they’re more attuned to their mental health than any previous generation, and they want to avoid that ‘hangxiety’, or feelings of dread and shame experienced the day after drinking, that creeps up on you the day after drinking.”
For those trying out Dry January while on the dating scene, don’t worry. Logan has created the perfect guide to navigating love without liquid courage.
Worried about not being as charismatic, funny or engaging without a drink? “Channel your inner-confidence by listening to a pump-up playlist, calling a friend for a pep talk, or making a mental list of all the reasons why you’d be a great partner,” Logan suggests.
While going to a bar or pub can feel like an easy option for a date, Logan suggests trying out sober activities like going to a comedy show, bookshop, art gallery or board game cafe.
For many people, telling someone you are or aren’t drinking can feel like a massive roadblock. But Logan provides advice on both ends. If you are doing Dry Jan, Logan advises it’s “helpful to be upfront about your preferences early on when you’re planning a date”. If your date is doing Dry Jan but you still want to drink “check in with them before you order by asking something like, ‘I know you’re doing Dry January. Are you comfortable if I grab a drink, or would you prefer we keep it alcohol-free?’”
For more advice about navigating sober dating, check out Hinge’s Guide to Dating During Dry January.
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