What really happens inside a relationship when one partner decides to stop drinking and the other doesn’t?
In this AF Superpowers episode, Jenn sits down with Coach Jaime Andersen (@amazinglyalcoholfree) for a candid and relatable conversation on partners, drinking dynamics, emotional triggers, and the work required to stay aligned when alcohol is no longer shared.
Jaime shares her own story of waking up hungover on July 5th, 2022, realizing she was wasting her life, and committing to a 30-day break that turned into over three years alcohol-free. She opens up about her husband Luke’s drinking journey, how his relationship with alcohol naturally shifted, and what it looked like to rebuild a nearly 20-year relationship that had been centered around drinking.
Topics covered include:
• What to do when your partner still drinks
• How to communicate your “why” without judgment
• Setting boundaries that actually work
• Navigating triggers when someone drinks around you
• Creating a sober sanctuary at home
• Driving separately when it protects your peace
• How to model the change instead of forcing it
• Why different choices don’t mean the relationship is doomed
• Building new forms of connection and fun
• How sobriety strengthened Jaime’s marriage and communication
This episode is for anyone navigating sobriety inside a relationship, whether your partner drinks regularly, occasionally, or not at all. Change is possible even when you are the only one changing.
Key Moments:
00:27 – Why partners and drinking is such a big topic
00:59 – Jaime’s drinking history with her husband
01:49 – The moment she knew she had to take a break
03:10 – How her husband’s drinking naturally decreased
04:29 – Rebuilding their routine after 20 years of drinking together
05:16 – Why this is one of the hardest challenges for women
06:08 – Communicating without blame or judgment
06:55 – The “Boundary Sandwich” framework
08:00 – Creating a sober sanctuary
09:10 – Staying focused on your own growth
11:24 – How their relationship improved alcohol-free
12:59 – Dating sober and authentic connection
15:04 – Building new shared experiences
17:00 – Practical tools Jaime teaches clients
Connect with Coach Jaime:
Connect with AF Superpowers:
