Dry January? Not If You’re Part of a Couple

If your list of resolutions includes a Dry January and you’re part of a couple, it’s time to call a team meeting. And no, you shouldn’t kick off Dry January at boozy brunch.

The first week of January, in fact the entire first month of the year, is often devoted to heartfelt and optimistic (if ill-fated) plans to “workout!” and “get healthy!” and “stop drinking all month!” Turns out though, that swapping mezcal for mocktails isn’t as easy as you’d hope, especially when there’s someone egging you on.

After surveying 2,000 couples researchers at Drinkaware, a charity which supports alcohol awareness, found that significant others influence their partners to drink more. One third of men surveyed admitted they suggest their partner have another drink (compared to 15 percent of women) and 29 percent of women, that’s almost 1 in 3, said they would drink less if it wasn’t for their partner.

If you’re feeling depressed, don’t let that drive you to wine bar. Instead, take solace in this: almost 60 percent of participants said they would drink less to support their partner. (We don’t know what’s going on with that other 40 percent. But whatever.)

That means, that if you’re seeking to have a sober month, just have a pow wow and decide together that it’s a priority. It will help you stick to your goal.

“We know that couples who are planning a health regime together fare better when they really support each other,” said Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware’s chief executive.

So you’re not doomed! Dry January is possible! Just get your partner on board.