Letter From The Editor

For years, drinking and dating made classic bedfellows: First dates were almost always at bars and liquid courage was key for muddling awkward vibes. But the pandemic and the rise of wellness culture have uncorked new attitudes toward alcohol. While some people are drinking more than ever, others are sober-curious or abstaining entirely. The effects are bubbling over onto the dating scene, and singles are taking notice. In Shooting Your Shot, Bustle explores the changing norms around imbibing on dates. — Hannah Orenstein, Deputy Lifestyle & Wellness Editor

Between The Sheets

The Nerve-Wracking Glory Of Sober Sex

The only buzz came from a vibrator.

by Sarah Levy
Ew?

Drinking On A Date Is The Latest Viral Ick

Like smoking before it, many feel that the constant need to drink has become excessive.

By Carolyn Steber
Check, Please

The 7 Cringiest Things You Can Do On A Date, According To Bartenders

Yes, they can tell if you're on a first date from behind the bar.

By Jillian Giandurco
Dating

All Hail The "Single Girl Supper"

It's the 2020s version of dinner and a movie.

By Hannah Orenstein

Meanwhile, At The Bar...

Shooting Your Shot

TikToker Delaney Rowe Doesn’t Mind A DM Slide

“I do have a personality that exists outside the stuff that I put out online.”

By Alexis Morillo
Entertainment

Tinx Says Clubbing Is A "Dying Art"

The TikTok star chats about partying, dating, and the pre-sex ritual she swears by.

By Samantha Nik
Shooting Your Shot

Vanderpump's Katie Maloney Is Ready To Reclaim "Tequila Katie"

The reality star chats about her approach to first dates and Tom Sandoval's bartending skills.

By Jillian Giandurco
Shooting Your Shot

Brooke Schofield Wishes She Got The Ick More Easily

The content creator isn’t shy about looking for a serious relationship.

By Alexis Morillo
Shooting Your Shot

On TikTok, Kaitlin Reagan Gets Vulnerable About Dating After Loss

"I don't have time to have a surface-level date. I want to sit down and pick somebody's brain."

By Alexis Morillo
Shooting Your Shot

TikToker Brynne Marie Is Done Kissing & Telling To Her Followers

The #BeautyTok queen is open about her sexuality and skincare routine, but future relationships are off the table.

By Alexis Morillo
Shooting Your Shot

Fannita Leggett Loves Being "The #1 Menace In The Nation”

“It's terrible out here, but you got to keep swimming.”

By Alexis Morillo
Shooting Your Shot

Sofia Franklyn Thinks This Drink Order Is The Ultimate Dating Ick

Plus her advice for filling those first-date awkward silences.

By Alexis Morillo
Shooting Your Shot

Serena Kerrigan's Best Tip For Meeting Someone Cute At A Bar

Plus the wildest thing she’s ever done on a date.

By Alexis Morillo
Shooting Your Shot

Kit Keenan Is Glad People Can't Get Too Drunk On Reality TV Anymore

“No one wants to look back and be like, 'Oh, my gosh, I was way too drunk last night.'"

By Carolyn Steber