The first week of January is the cleanest slate you'll get all year. Maybe you've started one of last year's most popular diets or decided to try a silly juice cleanse. Growing in popularity over the last couple of years is ditching booze for a month after the new year, otherwise known as Dry January. The benefits are, ideally, to cut unnecessary calories, save money, and get a healthy start on the new year. But a new study says you'll most likely fail this sober pledge if you're in a relationship.
That's right, it's all your partner's fault that you can't accomplish this New Year's resolution—at least according to independent charity Drinkaware, which supports alcohol awareness campaigns. After surveying 2,000 couples about their efforts to cut back on drinking, the results revealed that most significant others actually influence their partner drink more.
Specifically, a third of men (versus just 15 percent of women) said they enjoyed suggesting that their partner have another drink while they are out, even if they planned to stop drinking. On the other hand, 29 percent of women said they would likely drink less without their boozing partner.
It makes sense then that only 57 percent of participants said they would drink less to support their partner's sober choice.
"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.
Essentially, if you plan on abstaining from drinking this month or next—or even cutting back on sugar or trying a new fitness regimen—it's probably best to include your partner in those plans so you can stay on track.
