Dating without alcohol doesn’t need to be boring.
It’s finally Friday night after a long week. You want nothing more than to take your special someone out on a romantic date. But, if you’re both in recovery, you might feel like your options are a bit limited – after all, don’t most dates practically revolve around alcohol?
Nope! At least, they don’t have to.
We’ve scoured our brains (and the web) for some of our favorite sober dates. Read ahead and pick out what suits you – there’s bound to be one that you’ll want to do.
If you love the city life…
Head into downtown and start the night off with a bite to eat at your favorite restaurant. After dinner, take a long, meandering walk to a local park or museum – nighttime strolls are a great way to take in the city and get to know your partner better. Finally, finish the night at one of our favorite new trends: sober bars!
These places offer the exciting, social vibe of a bar, but without alcohol. You can order amazing zero-proof drinks – these aren’t the Shirley Temples of your childhood. They can be found in most major cities (check out Getaway Bar in NYC, The Other Side in Chicago, or Sans Bar in Austin).
If you’d rather be outside…
Take a hike. No, really, take a hike! It’s a great way to surround yourself with nature, and it’s a low-pressure way to get to know someone. If first dates make you nervous, centering them around an activity can make the situation less awkward. And being outside is great for your mental health, too.
If it’s the colder part of the year, bring a thermos of hot cocoa and some hearty snacks (granola or cheese and crackers) to share once you get to the summit or finish the hike. And if it’s warmer outside, bring lots of water and stop for some ice cream on the way home.
If you’re on a budget…
Time to visit the library. Stop by your local branch to pick out a couple fun books. (Here are a few of our picks!) Then, pack a picnic lunch and head to your favorite park. Time to eat some great food and read some wonderful books.
You can even make the whole outing centered around a theme – ‘France,’ for example. Find a book that immerses you in the Parisian streets while eating some fantastic French cheese. This is a great way to make a simple date feel more special.
Time to have a romantic day out you’ll both love. And if you’re considering dating in recovery, check out this post.
Photo by Vitor Pinto on Unsplash
3 Comments
If you’re on a budget…
Go to the library ? Go to the Park?
What kind of Woman would go out on a date like this. Not the High Maintenance Babes I known,
(Of Course They Were All High Maintenance Alcoholics and Addicts)
Is there a dating app for those in recovery?
There is: check out CASL (Clean and Sober Love)—it’s a dating app specifically for those in recovery. Some members have met significant others through the In The Rooms website as well—it’s easy to connect with a chat or a post!