Many overindulge during the festive period, but now, across the UK people have started their Dry January cleanse to kick off the new year; a record breaking 6.5 million Brits participated last year and this number is expected to continue growing. Whilst a dry month may be a post-holiday goal, popular dating app Bumble predicts that the trend of ‘dry dating’ (dating sans alcohol) is going to last well past the 31st of January. 

 

New research from the women-first dating app has found that 1 in 3 (34%**) people in the UK are now more likely to go on a dry date than they were pre-pandemic. This comes amidst a shift in dating with the majority of single people in the UK (54%**) being more mindful and intentional in how, and when, they date. 

Bumble’s research shows that 62% of the population believe that they are more likely to form deeper and more genuine connections if they date without alcohol. This comes as more than half (58%) of people believe alcohol has previously caused them to form an emotional connection which may have not been there without drinking. 

The increase in dry dating comes as people feel more empowered to date in an intentional way, with 1 in 3 (37%) saying they feel considerably less pressure and are more comfortable being their ‘true self’ when dating now compared to pre-pandemic.

30-year-old Naomi Bridgman from Sheffield explains that most of her first and second dates are alcohol free: “I reflect back on some of my previous first dates where we both drank and find myself asking - did I like them, were they actually interesting, or was I just drunk? Now that I intentionally date sober, I am slightly put off by men who want to meet on a night out for the first date. The biggest benefit of dry dating is being able to put my most authentic self forward and better the chances of finding someone I am compatible with in a sober mind state.”

Bumble’s sex and relationship expert, Dr Caroline West, explains how you can date with confidence without alcohol: "Be clear about your intentions and why you're opting not to drink, even if it's just for this occasion. With the new year, we're all looking for a new start that will make us better, clearer, and more present. Resolutions often include telling ourselves to get fit, stop smoking, find a new job, or get out of that bad relationship but choosing to date dry on occasion is suddenly too much?

“It's encouraging to see that people, particularly younger people, are looking at this differently and thinking more about their relationships with alcohol. It's about focusing on what makes you feel good and leads to intentional and meaningful interactions."

The research also found that almost a fifth (18%) claim they would not feel apprehensive about sharing that they do not drink alcohol. To encourage people to make their attitudes clear from the offset, the Bumble app has a drinking badge that you can add to your profile, allowing people to signpost their drinking behaviour from get go. The badge gives people the option to state if they drink frequently, socially, are sober, or have never drunk, lessening the need to explain yourself on a first date. 

Naomi Walkland, Head of Bumble UK and Ireland, says: “2021 saw many people re-evaluating their lifestyles, defining what’s important, and being clear about what they want. In fact, more than half (59%) of people on Bumble globally say that they are now more upfront with partners about what they want. 

On Bumble, people can use profile badges to signpost their lifestyle, like drinking, smoking, and exercise, but also their values, and the kind of relationship they want so they can be intentional from the start, making meaningful connections easier.” 

Dr Caroline West’s top 3 tips for dry dating in 2022: 

1.   Build your confidence: If you’re opting for a dry date, build your confidence by speaking to your date for longer and get to know them before meeting. Bumble has found that video calls, used a lot during lockdowns, is something people are continuing to use and a great way to easily meet someone before meeting.

2.   Date with intention: Part of dating anxiety comes from worrying that someone may not want the same things as you, so be intentional and upfront about what you’re looking for. That way, by the time you meet you’ll already know you’re both looking for similar things from each other.

3.   Plan ahead: If you’re planning a date and going to go dry, research and suss out the best places which don’t involve alcohol. A crisp fresh air walk might help break the ice with a stop off at your favourite coffee shop, or if you’ve got hobbies in common look to do something which involves them.