The 2025 Gen Z DATE report (Data, Advice, Trends and Expertise) is clear: 67% of Generation Z and 63% of millennials want to form romantic relationships without resorting to alcohol this year.
This quest for depth transforms the first meeting into an experience of full presence, where we seek to know the other without filter.
The end of the “glass of courage”, priority to mental health
Why this disenchantment with cocktails on the terrace on a first date? For the younger generation, the answer is as much physiological as psychological. Logan Ury, director of relationship science at Hinge, explains that Gen Z is much more attentive to their mental health than their elders.
The objective is to avoid “hanxiety” (contraction of hangover and anxiety), this feeling of unease and shame which can occur after a drunken evening. “One of the reasons Gen Z is interested in sobriety is because they want to avoid hangover anxiety.” says Logan Ury.
Abstaining from alcohol allows you to be fully yourself. “This trend reflects a deeper dimension: Generation Z aspires to be fully themselves and abstinence helps them do so.”
The figures confirm this cultural shift:
- Only 21% of young Generation Z prefer a drink on a first date;
- 45% of non-binary Gen Z people prefer a first date without alcohol.
How to have a successful first “sober” date?
The month of January, with the challenge of Dry January, is the ideal time to test this new rhythm. But how can you manage the natural stress of a first meeting without the disinhibiting effect of alcohol?
Logan Ury suggests establishing a trust ritual before the date.
“Boost your inner confidence by listening to a motivational playlist, calling a friend to cheer you up, or making a mental list of all the reasons why you would be an ideal partner.”
The main thing is transparency. To avoid any awkward moments, the expert advises announcing your intentions when planning. “It’s best to be clear about your preferences from the start. Let the other person know what’s right for you.”
5 ideas for alcohol-free “dates” to create a bond:
- A comedy show: Laughter releases oxytocin, the attachment hormone;
- A second-hand bookstore: Perfect for whispering literary recommendations;
- An art gallery: Ideal for fueling conversation without pressure;
- A concert or play: To share a strong cultural emotion;
- A board game café: A fun and light way to flirt.
Evaluate compatibility: feeling rather than intoxication
Without the artificial euphoria of alcohol, it becomes easier to perceive whether a connection is real or not. To find out if you are really compatible, Logan Ury advises observing your own emotional signals after meeting:
- Energy: “Do you feel more energetic or more exhausted after spending time together?“
- Curiosity:Does your partner reveal a positive and curious side in you?“
- Comfort: “Did you feel heard and comfortable being yourself?”
If you’re dating someone who’s participating in Dry January while you’re drinking, the key is respect. “Ask him before ordering” advises Logan. Matching each other’s choice on the first date establishes a valuable foundation of support and collaboration for the rest of the relationship.
In conclusion, whether for a month or for life, dating soberly allows you to approach love with more intention. As Logan Ury reminds us: “The main thing is to show yourself fully, authentically.”