How to Date without Drinking

.....It can be done!

As a nation we drink a huge amount; whether it’s after-work drinks, a night in with a DVD and a bottle of vino, a night out (jeagur shots compulsory) or bucks fizz Sunday mornings (just us??) – drinking is a firm part of our culture and our lifestyle.

But abstaining from alcohol is becoming more and more popular. Our lifestyle choices are changing, and gradually we’re moving away from cider fuelled nights in the local car park into a world of healthy eating, exercise and good old fashioned ‘fun.’ So where does this leave dating? Most traditional dates revolve around alcohol, and if it doesn’t, many of us indulge in a wee dram just to calm the nerves (just us, again??)



In theory, it should leave our dating lives in a much healthier state. Imagine; you go on a date, you stay clear of mind and your judgements aren’t in the least obscured by that second glass of wine. Guaranteed you’ll have a better idea of your compatibility on a sober date then you will if you’d have spent the night downing shots and drinking all the cocktails.

It’s a bold statement we know, but in the initial stages of dating someone new, avoiding alcohol infused situations might actually be a nice way to go. But ‘What on earth do we do instead?!’

Chocolate Tasting

Yes this is a thing! Many independent chocolate shops run evenings of chocolate tasting; an opportunity to learn about the origins of chocolate, and of course to eat a lot of it. They often start with an unrecognisable bar of bitterness (100% cocoa), and throughout the evening move down towards the more familiar tastes of milk chocolate. It’s a fantastic evening for any chocolate lover and is a fun experience to do with a potential suitor.

Rock Climbing

Unless you’re a pro, rock climbing is a sport that’ll take you out of your comfort zone, so if you’re already there you might as well take a date along too. It’s a thrilling sport and provides a sense of achievement giving you a rush of those happy endorphins – putting you and your date in an excellent mood!

Picnic

Pack a hamper of home-made treats (or just go to the picnic section in M&S), and find a quiet spot in a park over-looking a pretty view. Just like a restaurant date but more intimate (and you’re sitting on the floor, batting away wasps). If you want to go super romantic take some candles and your iphone speakers along…'I made this playlist for you’… he / she will love it.

*image via

http://www.beingtazim.com/

A Dance Class

If your compatible doing salsa then you know, that can only be a good thing. Getting up close and personal in a dance class will help break the ice and rid you both of any inhibitions without the help of our friends, Jack and Jim.

Sushi Making Class



Learn all about rice, fish and nori, rolling your own sushi and preparing a tasty meal! You can either impress your date with your skills as a domestic God / Goddess or bond over your mutual terribleness at it. Learn all about rice, fish and nori, rolling your own sushi and preparing a tasty meal! You can either impress your date with your skills as a domestic God / Goddess or bond over your mutual terribleness at it.

Coffee & Cake

Chat all night long over a cappuccino and slice of cake, super chilled and perfect for those first dates.