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| I’ve never been a big fan of alcohol or the way it makes me feel. Since I stopped drinking a few years ago, I’ve found that there are plenty of other ways to socialize and have fun — no booze included. My favorite? Breakfast dates at a local diner … or maybe nature walks. I can’t choose! |
| Especially as we enter a season of warmer weather, there may be social pressure to drink when going out, attending parties, or spending time with loved ones. So today, I want to turn it over to my team to share some of their favorite ways to connect with friends and family without drinking. |
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Cheers,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline
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Written by Morgan Mandriota
May 5, 2025 • 3 min read |
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| Here are our favorite social activities that don’t involve drinking |
| “Improv classes! It forces you out of your comfort zone, but it’s such an incredible way to build self-confidence and come out of your shell without leaning on substances. It’s hard not to feel awkward getting into character and making up weird silly stuff, but once you realize that fear and self-doubt are universal, you start to let go and get comfortable just going for it, and then every other social situation feels a little easier by comparison.” — Arielle Trenary, assistant director |
| “TV show/movie nights: My friends or family will start a TV show together and we only watch it when together, so it makes getting together all the more intentional.” — Sarah Matysiak, associate editor |
| “Museum outings. You can take it at your own pace, and it opens up lots of opportunities for conversation.” — Megan Severs, senior editorial director
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| “Walks and game nights! We live 30 minutes from a greenbelt, so we meet friends there and have a group dog walk. I have a little kiddo, so I bring a stroller, too. For game night, we break out trivia games, Pictionary, and other board games.” — Ren Dias, editor |
| “I rarely drink anymore. I host a monthly craft meetup with a handful of friends at my house. I’m also in a softball league in the spring and fall.” — Samantha Costa, editor |
| “Cooking and hosting dinner nights with friends! I don’t do this now in NYC but when I lived in CA, I would frequently meet up with friends, head to a hiking trail, and hike for the day, too.” — Franchesca Ramos, senior social media influencer marketing associate |
| “I do go to all the events my friends invite me to, and I honestly love being [designated driver]! I really like taking care of my loved ones and knowing that they’re having a good time, but I personally just don’t enjoy alcohol or the aftereffects enough to drink myself. I like to host game nights, but I’m also trying to step out of my comfort zone more and join clubs/groups for activities I enjoy (right now it’s just me and my friend getting together and reading or crocheting together in relative silence, which is also so underrated!)” — Arushi Garg, paid media associate |
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