How do you feel about alcohol? Have you ever been sober curious?

What's in a glass of wine? Or, a fancy cocktail glass? Does raising a glass with friends or family have anything to do with the contents of that glass? As we chat about how we feel about alcohol there are a few things we all agree on - 1) your relationship with alcohol is personal and we don't judge, 2) that relationship can and likely will evolve over time and 3) recognizing how our bodies feel and our demanding mom lifestyles has changed the game. As Ashley notes, "I’ve become sober curious — not because I think I have a problem, but because I finally realized what alcohol takes from me." Noting the impact on our bodies, but also recognizing that there is a tricky love/hate for an adult beverage at the right time and place- whether than is a fancy cocktail for a book club gathering, a beer at a ballgame or a glass of wine out to dinner, hear how we've sorted this part of our lives below.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

My relationship with alcohol has evolved over the years — from the carefree party days of my early twenties, to the rare glass of wine during the baby years, to now being able to truly appreciate a well-made cocktail or a good glass of wine.

I think everyone’s relationship with alcohol is deeply personal, and it’s important to listen to your body and respect your own boundaries. These days, I enjoy a glass of wine while making dinner or a cocktail when out with friends, though with our family’s busy schedule, those moments are fewer than I’d like.

I’ve never felt like I need a drink to have fun, but I do love the creativity of mixing up a drink that pairs with the book I’m currently reading. I also think it’s refreshing to see how society’s view on alcohol is shifting — with more people exploring moderation or sobriety in a way that feels balanced and intentional.

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

For the past few years, alcohol has become less and less a part of my life. Honestly, I don't feel good

when I drink much at all, so I skip it most of the time. Whether it is a glass of wine giving me a headache or my stomach not agreeing with vodka, the reward doesn't feel worth the risk anymore. If I had to count, I may have had 3 glasses of wine this year. In years past, I would have that much in a week. Or, even in one night.

When I first started to skip alcohol, some social settings felt awkward. When your besties order a pitcher of sangria and you ask for water- it felt like I was missing out. But, I didn't miss out on any of the great conversation or the laughter- just on the tummy troubles the next day. I've been at many, many work events where I've ordered club soda with a splash of cranberry and a lime. Yes, this is basically water. And, when asked, what are you having? I'll share, water that is dolled up. At the end of the day, no one really cares about what's in your cup. So, as long as it is what you want and what makes you feel good, frankly, it is none of their business. If I'm going to indulge these days, it is in dessert. I'd much rather toast with gelato than booze. I'll wake up feeling better, more fueled and ready for whatever the day throws at me.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Designer from @GlobalonDemandTravel

I don’t think much about alcohol in my daily life. It’s not something that plays a big role for me, but I do have firm boundaries around it. I’m very strict about never driving after having any alcohol, no matter how short the distance might be. My husband doesn’t drink, which makes it easier to always have a designated driver and helps reinforce the importance of being responsible. Setting that example is important to me because I want my kids to understand the seriousness of drinking responsibly and the potential consequences of careless decisions.

At the same time, I’ve never felt the need to completely cut alcohol out of my life. I can enjoy it occasionally and responsibly without it becoming a problem or a focus. To me, it’s all about balance and awareness—knowing my limits and maintaining control over my choices. I think it’s possible to have a healthy relationship with alcohol as long as it’s approached with respect and responsibility.

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

I don’t think I have a love/hate relationship with anything more than I do with alcohol! I love a glass of red wine with dinner, a beer with a hot dog at the ballpark, and an old-fashioned relaxing in my basement.

And, I have to be so careful to balance it with hydration and food to ensure I can feel good the next day. I love getting older (honestly, I do), but I am amazed at how differently my body processes alcohol now. I get more bloated, have more headaches, and recover more slowly, even with just one or two drinks.

So, I’ve cut back dramatically on drinking in the past year. I have reduced the quantity and frequency of my drinking. It’s difficult because it’s still such a part of so many social situations, and even work situations, that while no one is pressuring me at this age, it feels obligatory.

I imagine I will only continue to reduce my intake in the future. Replacements like fancy mocktails or non-alcoholic beer can be a good alternative when I feel like I’m missing out. I’ve done a Dry January before, and it seems like a great way to ease into a sober lifestyle.

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

Alcohol and I have had a lot of different “eras.” 
In college, it was happy hours, keg stands, and cheap

beer.
 In my 30s, it was neighborhood block parties and Sunday day-drinking during football with babies crawling around in pack 'n plays. Now, in my 40s, things feel different.

I’ve become sober curious — not because I think I have a problem, but because I finally realized what alcohol takes from me:

• shitty sleep

• anxiety at 2 a.m.

• headaches

• digestion issues

• less patience and presence with my family

And when you’re a mom, a nutrition coach, and a woman trying to function with a full schedule… that price tag feels too high.

I don’t judge people who drink, and everyone is allowed to have their own relationship with alcohol. But I’ve also seen what alcohol can do when it becomes a coping mechanism — job loss, strained relationships, sleeping in separate rooms, resentment, chaos. Alcohol doesn’t discriminate; it affects people in all income levels, all neighborhoods, all families. It gives zero shits about who it hurts.

As for me?
I still enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine when I’m out to dinner. 
But I also love waking up clearheaded, energized, and proud of how I take care of myself. Right now, my life feels better when alcohol is a small part of it — not the main character.

Emilee, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

The older I get, the more my body seems to fight back on alcohol. I don’t process it the way I used to. More than one glass of wine gives me a headache and my sleep is effected. Sleep is just too crucial for me these days! Plus, my week nights are filled with kids sports and carpools. A simple glass of wine in the evening isn’t even an option for me.

However, I love a fun cocktail and a themed drink with book club or with friends. My dad makes amazing cosmos, and that has become my favorite drink to make for friends if I am hosting. I especially love hosting at Christmas and making fun holiday drinks. Ali and I created a cocktail-book pairing for the holidays last Christmas and we had the best time with that! (Maybe look for part 2 of that this year!)

I understand that drinking is a personal topic. Everyone has the right to choose what works for their life and body, and those choices should be respected by all.

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How do you feel about alcohol? Have you ever been sober curious?