According to Zoosk\u2019s recent Drinking & Dating Data Study, 72% of online daters drink alcohol. That\u2019s a huge majority of singles in the online dating world. The same study also found that 32% of non-drinkers found dating to be difficult. Many assume that dating is more fun when they\u2019re a drink in your hand, but it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. Dating can be easy and enjoyable for non-drinkers or drinkers choosing to opt out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This list of first date tips for non-drinkers will help everybody who\u2019s abstaining from alcohol have a great time on a night out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Let your date know in advance.<\/strong> 2. Share why you don\u2019t drink, but don\u2019t let it define you.<\/strong> 3. Set the boundaries of the first date.<\/strong> 4. Pick three, choose one.<\/strong> 5. Suggest a physical activity.<\/strong> 6. Poll your friends.<\/strong> 7. Calm your nerves or amp yourself up.<\/strong> Others drink on a first date to get amped up, so they can be high energy when they meet someone new. If you find you want to get pepped up, try a caffeinated beverage like loose leaf tea or coffee. These will give you the extra zing that you need to wake up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter, which of these tips you choose to follow on your first date and which you choose to leave at home, it\u2019s important to get out there and keep dating. It may seem like a whopping majority of singles do drink on first dates, and that\u2019s because it\u2019s true. But that doesn\u2019t mean that abstaining from drinking has to make it impossible. Keep an open mind about it and communicate honestly with your dates about your feelings about the subject. Don\u2019t put yourself unduly outside your comfort zone. Dating can be tough with or without drinks, so allow yourself to take the time you need and take the good times as they come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This single choice doesn\u2019t define your life story as a whole, and you can own that on a first date. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":162,"featured_media":17184,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[884,892],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dating-advice","category-first-date-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nIn both the online dating world and the real world, most people spend a lot of time going back and forth getting to know each other before the first date. Let them know that you don\u2019t drink. This will give them time to process that fact. Dating is about compatibility. If this is a dealbreaker for them, heading out to the date and letting them know later probably wouldn\u2019t be doing anyone any favors. You\u2019ll find that most people respect your decision not to drink and will find it to be an interesting part of who you are. No need to be shy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFeel free to share as much or as little as you want about your reasons for not drinking. Whether you\u2019re in recovery, or it\u2019s for health or family reasons, it\u2019s up to you to decide how much you want to share about your choice to abstain. Remember that no matter what your reason is for not drinking, not drinking is only one part of your much larger story. This single choice does not define your life story as a whole, and you can own that even on a first date. If you choose not to share, there\u2019s no harm in waiting to open up either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIf they\u2019re open-minded and accepting of your choice not to drink, you should be open and accepting of their choice to drink responsibly. As a non-drinker, decide for yourself if you\u2019re okay with your date drinking on the first date or not, then share your decision with them. As long as they behave within the agreed upon rules for drinking on the first date, there\u2019s no need to pass judgement on their drinking. If you\u2019d prefer that they didn\u2019t drink, tell them that concern as well. Extra communication never hurts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nStart by picking three different date ideas like mini golf, bowling, or hiking, then let them choose one. The choices you offer up will give your date a better feel for your personality and incorporates them into the process of planning the date. Be creative and consider interests your date has mentioned in passing conversation. There\u2019s no reason to conflate not drinking on a date with a flat date, so show them that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSuggest a date idea such as surfing or kayaking that will get those muscles working. Most people don\u2019t drink during physical activities and sports already, so that makes these great ideas for a non-drinking first date. Physical dates also get bonus points, because they\u2019re a great way for two people to share an experience and explore the connection. Nothing wrong with a little huffing and puffing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nDo you have family or friends who are non-drinkers? Ask them if they have any tips for non-drinking dates. If you thought you were the first to date without drinking, you\u2019re not. Friends and family who have been doing it longer will usually have wisdom to spare on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nMany people like drinks on a first date to calm their nerves. As a non-drinker, find the best way for you to soothe those anxious first date jitters. Meditation is great, because it allows your mind to calm and let go of chattering stray thoughts. Other people like herbal tea. Experiment and see what works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n