Socialising without alcohol—easier said than done, right? In this episode, we get real about the awkwardness, the anxiety, and the unexpected wins of learning to navigate social life sober. From game nights and long walks to live music and deep chats, we’re figuring out what actually makes us happy (spoiler: it’s not standing in a bar for seven hours).

We also tackle the big questions—do we need to “fake” extroversion? How do we push ourselves without forcing it? And are we actually boring now? (Hint: no.)

So, whether you're thriving in your sober social life or still working out what the hell to do with your hands at a party, this one’s for you. No judgment, no pressure—just real talk, proper laughs, and a reminder that you get to make your own rules. 💪✨

Discussed in today's episode

• drywaffle << subscribe to our newsletter now!
• Macclesfield Forest - our walk on All Trails
• The Monastry, Manchester.
• January Butler as Celine
• Traitors board game

Takeaways:

• Socialising sober is a whole new game. It’s not just about swapping cocktails for mocktails—it’s about figuring out what actually makes you happy (and it turns out, bars aren’t that fun without booze).
• Not all socialising is created equal. Some people love big nights out, others prefer deep one-on-one chats. Know what you enjoy and stop forcing yourself into situations that don’t suit you.
• Alcohol used to be a social crutch. For introverts like Bobby, drinking made it easier to be outgoing. But was that really him? Sober socialising means facing those inner demons and finding confidence without liquid courage.
• Find what actually brings you joy. Live music? Walks in nature? Board games with mates? Once you take alcohol out of the equation, you start discovering the things you genuinely love.
• FOMO isn’t real—if you’re not enjoying it, you’re not missing out. Staying out all night when you'd rather be in bed? Not the vibe. Do what feels right for you.
• You’re not boring, you’re just evolving. Society makes us think alcohol = fun, but the reality is, you can have just as much of a laugh (if not more) without it.
• Push yourself, but don’t force it. If you want to do something but feel nervous—go for it. But if it’s draining you, don’t be afraid to step away.
• The best convos happen sober. No shouting over loud music, no forgetting what was said, just proper deep chats where you actually connect with people.
• Your social life, your rules. Whether it’s a 15k walk, a Celine Dion tribute gig, or a two-hour coffee catch-up—if it makes you happy, that’s all that matters.

At the end of the day, sobriety isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom to choose what truly works for you. 💪✨