We're diving into part two of my sober dating diary—a real-life story that involves a cute date, an unexpected trip to a cannabis shop, and a bath bomb that turned into a major wake-up call.

Dating after divorce is awkward enough. But when you're sober—and your date casually suggests a relaxing soak in a "CBD" bath—you learn pretty quickly who respects your boundaries and who treats your sobriety like a buzzkill.

I also share:

• The truth about "California sober" and why it doesn't work for me
• How people-pleasing and old patterns can sneak back in, even after years of sobriety
• Why I walked away and what it taught me about owning my sobriety, unapologetically

This story is for anyone who's ever compromised a little too much to seem “chill,” or needed a reminder that you're allowed to have boundaries—and you're allowed to walk away when someone crosses them.

✨ Your sobriety isn’t just “okay”—it’s powerful, it’s valid, and it deserves to be honored.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the sober dating trenches, plus tips, real talk, and radical honesty every week.

📬 Want more? Head to sistersinsobriety.substack.com for behind-the-scenes content, journal prompts, and community support.

Highlights

[00:00] First dates after divorce—applying mascara for the first time in years and meeting someone who doesn’t drink

[01:10] When a park stroll turns into a casual detour to a cannabis shop (um, red flag?)

[01:55] What “California sober” really means—and why it’s not part of my recovery

[02:50] The power of “playing the tape forward” and how it helps me avoid old traps

[04:00] He says it’s just a CBD bath bomb. I ask (repeatedly) if it has THC. He says no.

[05:10] Ten minutes into the tub and I’m feeling like a human gummy bear

[06:00] The bold print truth: Delta-8 THC. And a sinking feeling—literally.

[06:45] Why I ignored my instincts to be the “cool girl”—and what it cost me

[07:45] The moment I knew I’d never see him again (and why that mattered)

[08:20] Sober dating isn’t just about tolerance—it’s about respect, celebration, and self-trust

Links

💌 Sisters In Sobriety Substack – where the magic (and the mocktail recipes) happen

📬 Sisters In Sobriety Email

📸 Sisters In Sobriety Instagram

🌐 Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast

📸 Kathleen’s Instagram