New research has revealed that dry dating is in, with drinking for a confidence boost (or to make your date seem a little more attractive) firmly out of the equation.
To kick off Sober October, a month dedicated to keeping one’s alcohol intake to 0% to show support for those living with cancer, international dating app happn’s new findings reflect a surprising change in opinion when considering first dates.
47% of Britons revealed that they much prefer a sober date, with only a third (33%) of the 2,004 respondents opting for a date that involves alcohol in some capacity. And acceptance is no longer a worry, with another half (47%) of sober daters feeling accepted by others when they choose not to drink alcohol.
Ipek Kucuk, happn’s dating expert, said: “When heading into a first date with someone new that you fancy and have been speaking to for a while, it’s totally normal to feel anything from nerves to excitement. Our research revealed that a huge 87% would go on a date with someone who doesn’t drink. A further 40% revealed that sober dating is relaxing and allows them to get to know their Crush better (36%).
“Having the chance to date with a clear head doesn’t mean that you won’t have fun and be spontaneous like many feel when they have had a few G&Ts to calm those nerves! With Sober October kicking off, why not give dry dating a go – you never know what you may get out of it.”
On the other side of the coin, across all respondents, one in 10 people admitted to having been so drunk on a date that they were sick or did something embarrassing (10%). But for the third of people who enjoy an alcoholic drink on the first date, 60% feel more relaxed when they do, with a further 43% reporting that alcohol gives them a confidence boost. A third (33%) feel less self-conscious, and one in five (19%) feel as though they can say things they may not have the courage to when sober.
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