5 Sober Date Ideas That Will Help You Kick Loneliness This Winter
By Kelly Burch
Today, dating should be easy. We have apps that can find us a date with
the push of a button, and matching with people who share your interests
is easier than ever. Despite that, it seems Americans are struggling to
make meaningful connections. About half of
Americans report feeling lonely or left out, something that can be
exacerbated by the bad weather and short days of the winter season.
As we know, feeling isolated and alone can undermine your sobriety and
put you at risk of relapse. If you’re past that critical first year,
dating can be a great way to build connections and meet new people,
especially if you remove the pressure and approach it as a way to have
fun. Even if you already have a significant other, taking each other on
dates is a great way to reconnect and reignite your passion in a healthy
way.
Although many people rely on liquid courage to cope with the awkwardness of a date, Mike Reed, the founder of Single and Sober,
says that sober dates are the best kind. People who are in recovery can
fall back on easy date ideas like grabbing a drink. Instead of seeing
this as a pitfall, Reed says that people in recovery have a unique
opportunity to jump right into more desirable dates that lead to
longterm connection.
Here are 5 sober date night ideas that you’ll love, whether you’re connecting with someone new or rediscovering your partner in a whole new light.
Get Moving
Too often, dates involve sitting around and talking. While that might
sound nice in theory, it’s a lot of pressure to keep the conversation
flowing while you sit with someone you might not know very well, or to
make new conversation with a partner who you talk to each and every day.
To break the monotony of dining together, opt for a date that will get
you moving. Being active releases all sorts of feel-good chemicals, and
is an important part of recovery for many people. Movement is especially
important during the winter, when most of us spend more time than we
would like to cooped up inside.
Struggling to think of a fun, active date activity? Think about the
things that you used to love to do when you were a kid. If you live in a
cold climate go ice skating or sledding. It might sound silly, but soon
you’ll be laughing so much you won’t mind. If it’s warmer opt for
rollerblading or mini-golf. The key is to choose something that is a
novelty and that will provide entertainment to cut down on those dreaded
awkward silences. Just make sure your date knows what to expect so he
or she can dress appropriately!
Go To A Reading
Not ready to let your date see how uncoordinated you are? That’s ok.
Instead of connecting with your inner child, take a more sophisticated
option by bringing your date to a lecture, book reading or poetry slam.
Local book stores, libraries and universities offer these events
regularly, and they’re often free.
Now, no one wants to be bored to tears, so try to choose an event that
is relatively short in case it’s less interesting than you were hoping.
No matter what, you’ll have good conversation material for coffee or
dessert afterward, whether you’re debating the topics brought up or
laughing at the whole experience.
Mosey Through A Museum
Oftentimes you’re working around the weather when you’re planning dates
during the winter. Museums are a great option, since there’s always
something new to see and no pressure to drink. When you’re choosing a
museum think about what you want from your date: art and history museums
often offer new exhibits and a lot of time for quiet contemplation.
Science museums or aquariums can be a bit more lively, allowing you to
infuse a bit of fun into your date.
Dare To Dance
Many people who are sober aren’t comfortable in the nightclub scene,
where drugs and alcohol are so prevalent. At the same time, lots of
sober people have fond memories of music and dancing. Reconnect with
your inner dancing queen (or king) by taking Ballroom or Latin dance
lessons with your date. Most dance schools offer drop-in nights for
beginners, where you won’t be the only couple who feels like they have
two left-feet. If you try a drop-in night and have fun, sign up for
ongoing classes and enjoy the thrill of watching your moves improve week
after week.
Get Cooking
When it’s cold outside there’s something affirming (and sexy!) about
spending time in the kitchen. Cooking together is a great date, since
you’re working together to make something that you’ll both enjoy later.
Add in some music and you can have as much or as little conversation as
you like.
If you’re going on a date with someone new, try a cooking class.
Restaurants, co-ops and cooking schools all offer drop-in classes
covering a variety of cuisines. If you’re more comfortable together,
invite your date to cook a new recipe at your place and enjoy a date
night in.
Dating while sober can be intimidating, but connecting with sober dating resources and experimenting with different date options can open up a whole new world of connection.
No comments:
Post a Comment