Top 5 Words of Wisdom To Live By When Rethinking Drinking In Your Relationship

Living Alcohol-free in your relationship

Insights from women who are rethinking drinking.

It’s Father’s Day this coming weekend, and we got to thinking about the men in our lives and how they impact our choice to rethink drinking. It’s not an easy choice, we get it. When you commit to starting your journey on living a life without alcohol, the relationships around you start to feel the impact and can sometimes leave a feeling of disconnect and sometimes even loneliness.

If you are in a relationship and your partner is not on the same page as you when it comes to rethinking drinking, don’t feel alone. We asked five strong empowered women who are rethinking drinking to share their insights and words of encouragement to help you build and connect with your partner and keep your relationship flourishing as you move through your journey and prioritize wellness. 

1. Kiola Raines, Nutritionist and Trainer

“It’s simple for me. No matter what, I don’t drink, yet that leaves me with 100’s of other ways to connect with my partner. And we’re genuinely connecting; we’re truly seeing the authentic version of each other. Honestly, it makes building a healthy relationship much easier.” 

- Kiola Raines @kiolaraines 

2. Blair Sharp, Sobriety Activist and Writer for Sober Curator

“Deciding to rethink your drinking can be a huge shift not only for you but for the people around you. My biggest advice would be to have open communication. Talk to your partner about what you’re doing and why. Get them involved. The positive changes you’re experiencing might even rub off on them.” 

- Blair Sharp @sobrietyactivist 

3. Christine, Sober Influencer

“Communication and honesty are important when you are re-evaluating your drinking habits. Be open with your significant other about how you are feeling and set the proper boundaries when you feel uncomfortable. Develop shared interests that don’t include alcohol and even when drinking may be involved, grab a mocktail instead.”

- Christine @pathtosobriety 

4. Sarah Kate, Media Entrepreneur & Founder

“It was tough at the beginning when I started rethinking drinking - my partner had a hard time wrapping his head around it. But over time, I noticed that he was drinking less because I wasn’t encouraging it. Once I started demonstrating at family events and holidays that I wasn’t drinking, I think he respected it a lot more.”

- Sarah Kate @somegoodcleanfun 

5. Nicole Lambe, Long Distance Runner and Media Strategist

“I'm actually fortunate that my husband drinks very little, so he's happy to pass on any alcohol when it's just the two of us. When we're in a group, he'll usually only have one or two, so I don't find it that challenging. That said, I always have my AF options on hand for those occasions I feel like I'm the odd one out” 

- Nicole Lambe @nicko_82

Remember rethinking drinking does not happen overnight, so take your time and communicate your needs with your partner. This is just the beginning of a beautiful journey.