When I am single, I feel the most seen and understood around others who are also unattached. Why? Because whilst my coupled-up friends are endlessly supportive, it’s hard listening to tired cliches like ‘it’ll happen when you least expect it’ from the mouths of people who have married their childhood sweethearts. Ultimately, they just don’t get it and the same goes for people who are still drinking when you aren’t. Whether it’s chatting about the best non-alcoholic wine or discussing tips for handling drunk uncles, meeting likeminded people during Sober Spring can be a gamechanger. Here’s how to get started:
Join groups: Join Alcohol Change UK’s very own Sober Spring Community. There are quite literally hundreds of groups out there that you can join to meet people sailing on the good ship sober. From Instagram groups like Sober Girl Society, Proud and Sober, Sober and Social and Sober Black Girls Club to Facebook groups like Club Soda and Slaying Sobriety. Don’t be scared to get involved in discussions but equally, if you just want to lurk in the shadows and soak up the advice from others then do that too!
Connect 1-2-1: Social media is one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded folk but if putting yourself out there in a group setting isn’t really your bag then consider connecting to individuals. The hashtag #SoberSpring will help you find others who are taking part in the challenge so don’t be afraid to message them and introduce yourself. Alternatively, come and say hi to me or some of Alcohol Change UK’s other ambassadors like David Wilson.
IRL (in real life) Events: Virtual mates are great but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing like real-life connection. You can find alcohol-free events through places like meetup.com, Eventbrite or simply a quick Google search! There are even alcohol-free dance parties organised by the likes of Day Breaker and Morning Gloryville.
