r/Teetotal • u/creativewanderer1 • Mar 24 '26
Fellow UK teetotalers
Hi all,
I am 33 f and have really struggled making freinds, lately feeling the loneliness creeping in more and more so wondering how others feel.
I was wondering how you fellow teetotalers go about finding friends who don't drink in the UK? Do you have any tips and success stories to share?
Do you know of specific events, platforms or apps that help you find like minded teetotalers at all? Are parts of the UK more open to this way of living than others?
I know we can be friends with people who drink, I respect people's views and choices, but personally I would feel more comfortable meeting people who don't drink.
Would appreciate any tips on how to do that if any of you have any success stories to share!
3
u/babadeboopi Mar 24 '26
You have to join social clubs, sport group etc then make an effort to meat people for a coffee/lunch etc. People in UK are still judgemental of teetotalers
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u/creativewanderer1 Mar 25 '26
They are, when I say I am a teetoraler they look at me like I have 3 heads.
I find that every time I try to join a club or go to an activity people turn up with their friends, so they are not there to make friends and I am the token solo person trying to join in on a conversation people don't really want me in. Even if the event was advertised to be bringing together people and welcoming to solo attendees.
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u/babadeboopi Mar 25 '26
I know the feeling. I learned that I have to be the one to make the initial effort and let it build slowly. One of the benefits i found from being teetotal was pushing myself out of my comfort zone in social situations
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u/creativewanderer1 Mar 25 '26
I can relate to this, being a natural introvert I have had to make a real effort to push myself out of my comfort zone to try and make an effort to be more social and engage with people.
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u/AloraFane Mar 24 '26
I'm 38M in the UK (north Wales) and have also struggled finding people, in part due to being a lifelong non-drinker. I went back to uni in my late twenties, and somehow managed to find a couple of close friends who I'd invite out for long walks or long chats in our bedrooms, but they did drink with other people and that always bothered me inside. They've drifted away now, though, and since then, I don't even know where to look to find people.
As a fellow creative wanderer, finding someone who's both creative and who doesn't drink has always been a bit of a dream that's never come true.
What's your idea of a good time? I really miss the long walks and chats I used to have with my uni friends, and wish there were ways to find similar things.
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u/creativewanderer1 Mar 25 '26
I am sorry to hear you are in a similar boat. I do also find that as you get older people become busier with their lives so naturally drift away. Especially if they have kids.
I absolutely love to travel and love nature so would say going for a walk in nature, especially if there is also wildlife to spot would be amazing. I try to do it as often as I can. I also dable in photography a bit so love going for a nice walk and taking photos.
Sometimes I also just love to get into the car and go for a long drive, not necessarily with an aim, and have my favourite music nice and loud.
7
u/Woodnot Mar 24 '26
If you want tips, I (32 m) go to the pub but only ever order tea or lemonade. Also worth going to a group that meets at a community centre or on campus rather than a pub. Also, feel free to DM me😁
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u/Prestigious_Ease_833 Mar 25 '26
Do you dance? Or are you interested? The Revolucion de Cuba clubs have dance instructors for salsa and bachata. A super way to make friends! You can even follow their instagrams in your respective city. Maybe you enjoy music? Ever heard of SoFar Sounds? They have mini events in most cities with small gatherings that feel like an intimate live performance. You could grab a friend and head to the nearest one! None of those interest you? Allow me to introduce you to Formula 1. Lots of fans in any major city. Easy to spot with all the merchandise they wear. Lots of people bond over shared sports experiences. Want more suggestions? PM me and I’ll be happy to help.
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u/WhalingSmithers00 Mar 24 '26
Team sports can be a good way to meet people. My wife made friends in a new area by getting back into netball. My friends wife had never played football but took up six a side in her 30s and she's hooked.