“Each date was fun AF” – Suzy Beaumont

My relationship with alcohol had been shifting for years

Hangover after hangover, I grew increasingly disillusioned with drinking. I knew deep down it wasn’t good for me, and I hated feeling awful for days after a night out. But I was too afraid to voice it — first to others, then even to myself.

Who would I be without alcohol?

I was Sambuca Suzy. Boozy Suzy.The life of the party. First to order shots, last to leave. FOMO was practically my personality.

One night, surrounded by people I wasn’t even enjoying, something clicked. I could feel the alcohol poisoning my body, and I suddenly thought:

“What am I doing? I could be at home watching Casualty and having a better night.”

It still took another 18 months to quit.I had no role models. I didn’t know anyone living alcohol-free and still having fun — and that was key. Life had to stay fun.

Then I met Ruari from OYNB

He told me his story, and one line struck me deeply:

“Imagine taking a break from alcohol for one year — just 12 months out of your entire drinking career.”

From age 15 to 80, one year is tiny.Women do it all the time during pregnancy.

Could I? Would I still enjoy life? Who would I be without alcohol?

That moment in November 2017 planted the seed.On 1 January 2018, I announced publicly on social media that I was taking on the 365-day AF challenge.

I hesitated to post it — because I didn’t yet believe in myself.But OYNB gave me what I lacked:

• role models

• a supportive community

• thousands of people sharing the same highs and lows

Friends tried to push me to drink at first. They sensed my doubt.But over time, my confidence grew. I learned to socialise without alcohol and still be the life of the party. People eventually saw the change — and some began following my lead.

Facing emotions instead of numbing them is uncomfortable… but the anxiety passes faster when you deal with it instead of drowning it with vodka.

One of my biggest hurdles was sober dating

I had been single for seven years. My dating life had mostly been fuelled by alcohol — late-night hookups, poor decisions, and next-day regret. Combine a hangover with cringe-inducing romantic choices, and my self-worth plummeted.

So I took time out. Worked on myself. Became a personal development addict.During my AF challenge, I even left a secure job to launch my personal development business — something I never would have had the confidence to do while drinking.

Eventually I returned to dating.But now I was:

• sober

• vegan

• living in the Scottish Highlands

• alcohol-free on top of that

I hid these facts at first, afraid of being judged.But hiding felt dishonest, so I made a decision:

If I wanted the right partner, I needed to show up as my true self.

Some men were inspired. Some were intimidated. Some found me “too serious”.Many had no idea where to take me on a date if it wasn’t a pub.Others ghosted me or sent awful messages.

Then came Dave.

Then I met Dave — and everything changed

We met for lunch in a country pub — me with a cup of tea.He was warm, curious, grounded, and genuinely impressed by my AF challenge.

He drinks occasionally, but never leans on it. As a policeman, he sees alcohol destroy people’s lives every weekend.

It was three months before he had a drink in my presence — not because he tried to avoid it, but because he simply didn’t need it.

Our dates were AF, active, adventurous, and fun.We got to know each other without beer goggles.And so far… he’s definitely a keeper.

The biggest lessons from going alcohol-free

Life is easier without alcohol.

Drink creates drama. It’s ruined friendships and relationships in my past. Removing it gave me peace.

Social anxiety passes faster without alcohol.

Alcohol amplified my anxiety — it didn’t soothe it.Facing discomfort head-on built real confidence.

AF life gives you freedom.

No worrying about driving. No “how am I getting home?”I take the car, leave when I want, and choose my nights intentionally now.

Fun doesn’t require alcohol.

If the company is right, the environment is good, and the music is fire — the night takes care of itself.

And yes, sober dancing is absolutely a thing.

I love my AF life — and I’m continuing

Sometimes I’m tempted. Sometimes I think a drink might be fun.But the feeling passes quickly.

Will I drink again someday?Maybe. I don’t think in absolutes.

But so far, nothing has outweighed the benefits of being AF.

Thank you, OYNB, for showing me how to live a better life.