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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- 57/m: Love beer, but it doesn’t love me as much anymore
- No Stupid Questions Wednesday – ask anything about beer
- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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When Your Love for Beer Doesn’t Love You Back: Navigating Social Drinking as We Age
As we journey through life, our bodies inevitably change, often leading us to reassess our habits and preferences. For many, that includes the once-beloved ritual of enjoying a cold beer after a long day. At 57, I’ve found myself in a familiar yet unexpected dilemma: my affinity for beer seems to have waned, while my desire for social connection remains strong.
Throughout my life, beer has been a cherished companion—one that accompanied countless celebrations and weekends with friends. I navigated my college years with all the standard antics that come with youth, and though I married an alcoholic, I always considered myself a moderate drinker without any inclinations toward substance issues.
However, something has shifted in recent years. These days, my mind eagerly anticipates the relaxing ritual of enjoying a few beers with friends, but my body has begun to protest. It seems that just two beers are enough to leave me with a relentless headache and an unwelcome sense of sluggishness. As a result, I’m left grappling with whether the enjoyment I once derived from drinking is worth the subsequent discomfort.
This brings me to an important point of reflection: the social experience. For many of us, sharing a drink is about more than just the beverage itself; it’s about camaraderie, laughter, and being part of the moment. Walking into a local brewery without a beer in hand feels oddly out of place, as if I’m missing out on an essential part of the gathering.
I’m curious to know how others have navigated this transition. What strategies have you employed when you’ve faced a similar struggle? Have you found alternatives that allow you to maintain those social connections without compromising your well-being?
Navigating the landscape of social drinking as we age can be a challenging path, but perhaps sharing our experiences can illuminate the way forward. Let’s explore this journey together and find ways to connect that honor both our bodies and our friendships.