Sober Curious? Your Social Life Isn't Over (Promise!)

An Imperfectly Perfect Life - Life Unscripted: Navigating Divorce, Dating, Friendships, Careers, Family - and the 50s

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Have you ever questioned whether alcohol enhances your social connections or simply masks discomfort? When Alysse Bryson first went dancing sober, she had a startling realization: "I don't know why I ever thought I was a good dancer!" This moment of clarity exemplifies the journey many face when exploring life without alcohol.
In this compelling conversation, Alysse shares insights from her personal recovery journey and her work as founder of The Sober Curator, an online platform offering resources for alcohol-free living. We dive deep into what codependency really means—not weakness or dependency, but "a pattern of self-defeating, learned behaviors that result in a diminished capacity to initiate or participate in loving relationships." This understanding transforms how we view relationship dynamics when addiction is present.
The concept of having "no off button" provides a window into the neurological reality of addiction. As Alysse explains, "Once I start consuming, whatever the substance is, I can't stop. I literally can't stop." This isn't about willpower or moral failing; it's a fundamental neurological difference that those without addiction struggle to comprehend. Her analogy of trying to eat just half a Girl Scout cookie helps bridge this understanding gap.
Our discussion explores how alcohol impacts authentic connection, from dating to workplace culture. With the non-alcoholic beverage sector exploding and celebrities openly discussing sobriety, societal attitudes are shifting. Alysse boldly predicts that by 2030, alcohol consumption might carry similar social awareness as cigarette smoking does today—not eliminated, but recognized for its health implications.
Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or simply interested in understanding addiction's impact on relationships, this episode offers valuable perspective on creating genuine connections in a culture where alcohol often takes center stage. Try going to your next social event without drinking—you might discover, as many do, that authentic connection actually gets easier with practice.

To connect with Alysse, please visit his website The Sober Curator and/or Alyssebryson.com

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options.

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at Youtube/sharileid

#sobercurious #codependency #alcoholaddiction

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

Chapters

1. Introduction to Elise Bryson (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Codependency in Relationships (00:05:42)

3. Addiction as a Family Disease (00:11:37)

4. The "Off Button" and Control Issues (00:17:52)

5. Socializing Sober and Cultural Shifts (00:24:11)

6. Connection Without Alcohol (00:31:31)

7. Breaking Stigma and Moving Forward (00:38:32)