The Friendship Shuffle | Relationships After Sobriety
Will people still like me? Will I be boring? Will I be left out? We’ve been there, and today our team joins us to share the real story of how friendships shift… and why the changes are ultimately a beautiful blessing.You’ll hear honest fears, surprising blessings, and practical ways to navigate social life alcohol-free, without losing yourself (or your true people).📘 What you’ll learn in this episode:
- From fear to freedom: The most common friendship worries (being “boring,” losing invites, not fitting in) and what actually happened.
- Practicing new social firsts: Weddings, themed parties, girls’ nights, how repetition makes it normal (and fun) to show up sober.
- Quality over quantity: Redefining friendship from “people I drink with” to mutual care, honesty, and presence.
- Vulnerability vs. lowered inhibitions: Why real connection requires trust, not cocktails, and how to build it.
- The ripple effect: How your “no” can give someone else permission to skip the drink too.
- Loosening your grip: Offering up friendships you’re clinging to and watching God bring better-than-expected community.
🕊️ Scripture woven through:
- Romans 12:2 — Don’t conform; be transformed.
- Ephesians 3:16–20 — God does immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
- Genesis 22 — Trusting God with what you love (Abraham & Isaac).
💌 Resources & Links:🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community
📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind
📲 Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine
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The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.
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Christy, a former lawyer with a background in law, business, and politics, experienced radical renewal after choosing sobriety. Now a senior sobriety coach and author of Love Life Sober (Penguin Random House), she helps women renew their minds and rediscover joy through a powerful blend of faith, neuroscience, and practical tools.
Meade, a former pharmaceutical rep and stay-at-home mom, looked like she had it all together—but felt stuck in a nightly-ish wine habit. Once she realized the issue was less about drinking and more about thinking, everything changed. Now a senior certified coach and creator of the Change-Your-Thinking-to-Change-Your-Drinking method and The Missing P.E.A.C.E. framework, Meade helps women ditch shame, reclaim purpose, and live with peace and joy.
Together, we create loving, Spirit-led spaces where women can explore their relationship with alcohol, renew their minds, and pursue the freedom they were made for.
Christy lives in Surrey, England; Meade outside Atlanta. We're just two women who surrendered our wine glasses, found something far better in Jesus, and now have the joy of helping others do the same.
