Today’s Solutions: February 03, 2026

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

Dating is a nerve-wracking and anxiety-driven activity. When exercising our dating muscle again, many of us may be tempted to rely on alcohol as a crutch to put those awkward and stressful feelings at bay. Although, what if you don’t want to drink?

Dru Jaeger, Author of How to Be a Mindful Drinker, has a few tricks up his sleeve to help you in your sober dating pursuits.

Plan a date where you’ll have fun without the alcohol

Dating doesn’t have to equal drinking. There are plenty of things you can do that are romantic and fun where consumption of alcohol isn’t involved, including a coffee shop outing, a stroll in the park, or that new restaurant you want to check out. There are plenty of exciting adventures out there.

If you decide on a restaurant, a great tip is to look up the establishment’s menu ahead of time. This way, you can ensure there are non-alcoholic options you’re going to enjoy.

Choose representative images on your dating profile

That picture of yourself holding a cocktail may accentuate your features, but it doesn’t tell the story of who you are now. Try including pictures of yourself that are representative of your interests.

Remember, you don’t need to explain yourself

You don’t need to justify yourself, especially to someone you just met. If they’re judgmental of the fact that you don’t drink, it’s probably for the best you know now. Consider it a lucky escape!

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Yale will offer free tuition to families earning under $200,000 starting in 2026

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The prestigious Yale University is opening its doors even wider. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, families earning ...

Read More

5 smart ways to prep your garden now for a stunning spring bloom

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Spring might feel like a distant dream, but a few mild winter days offer the perfect window to ...

Read More

Forget plastic: Here are some greener ways to freeze food

While Ziploc bags and plastic wrap can be useful for sealing up food that’s going into the freezer, there are better alternatives—ones that are ...

Read More

Introducing “True American”— a mini-series

Last month on Independence Day, The New Yorker published an issue featuring cover art by graphic illustrator Christ Ware. The narrative piece, called “House ...

Read More