To drink, or not to drink??? –

May 20, 2020 – As a single woman participating in Dry January (I repeated the dry challenge solo in 2018), I learned some very important takeaways about dating without a beverage in hand.

Dates became more creative. They took place at ice cream shops and dessert cafes, fitness studios and painting classes, instead of repetitively “grabbing a drink” again and again.

Without alcohol, I could spot red flags early on, rather than guessing if I misinterpreted someone’s words under the influence. Drinking wasn’t providing false sparks or interfering with real ones either.

I observed who respected my dry challenge and who rolled their eyes. People who genuinely cared about me supported my endeavor because it was (and is) something meaningful to me.

@NYTimes