Craft Beer and Relationships

Several years ago on a date night, I took Ann to a taproom. Her experience with beer had been her paternal grandfather who would drink a Budweiser with a shot of Jack Daniels every night. I told her that this definitely isn’t Budweiser!  She was still hesitant but said at least they have wine. As we sat the bar, the beertender, Heather said she could find a beer my wife would like. After a few clarifying questions about general taste preferences our Heather provided a recommend flight of dark beers consisting of stouts, porters and barleywines. Who knew there was a Sommelier equivalent in the beer world called a Cicerone? Heather was one! Come to find out my wife likes her beer like she likes her man: dark and strong.  😊

We do date night to strengthen our communication and comprehension of each other needs, wants and desires. One exercise we created for date night is each of us has to bring a question to ask and answer while we are out. We intentionally do it in public so that civility and self-control are re-enforced. These aren’t fluff questions these are serious and sometimes fun questions about elevating the relationship, achieving goals, being better in the relationship, and of course our sex life. We have found this fun to do to re-connect on an intimate level. 

A relationship left to run on its own inertia has a high probability of failing because like a garden it requires tending to re-enforce good behaviors and growth and to explore and potentially change undesired behaviors. My wife isn’t just my wife she is my lover, business partner, workout partner, garden CEO, food, beer, wine and spirits partner.

Besides, enjoying craft beer in moderation like having a great relationship has several health benefits.

Beer:

1. Builds strong bones
2. Cleans your teeth
3. Reduces inflammation
4. Helps you live longer

 Loving Relationship:

1. Lowers blood pressure
2. Lessens anxiety
3. Longer life
4. Less depression and  better stress management

There appears to be anecdotal proof that a good beer and some loving honest relationship time can actually give you a better and longer quality of life.