We tend to have a lot of fun drinking, and with so many craft brews, vineyard vintages, and master cocktail mixers at our disposal these days, it’s easy to see why. We live in great times for tipping back the ol’ tipple. And here’s some more good news: The couple that drinks together (in moderation), stays together!
A study published in The Journals of Gerontology examined the drinking habits of couples who have been in a relationship for decades. What they found was pretty promising for those who enjoy a drink or two — the most contented couples were the ones who drank together responsibly. No one likes being left out of the fun, especially if the person leaving you out is your significant other.
According to the study, wives especially reported “decreased negative marital quality over time when husbands also reported drinking and increased negative marital quality over time when husbands reported not drinking.” The study seems pretty clear — we all need to drink together to maintain that long-lasting connubial bliss that seems so elusive. Well, as long as both parties are happy to be drinking and feel that it’s a worthwhile endeavor to pursue together.
Dr. Kira Birditt, the study’s lead author, had this to say: “We’re not sure why this is happening. But it could be that couples that do more leisure-time activities together have better marital quality.” Spending time together and relaxing is a good thing for couples to do. That sounds so crazy that it just might work!
Of course, Birditt also pointed out that couples who abstain completely seem just as happy. It’s all about matching behaviors. And since the study focused on “drinking status” rather than the amount of alcohol consumed, it’s also important to note that the authors are not encouraging problem drinking or condoning alcoholism.
From First We Feast:
“Problem drinkers are a whole different kettle of fish,” Fred Blow, another researcher on the study, told Reuters. “Serious heavy drinkers have disruptive relationships with people, particularly their partners. That’s an important issue that should be looked at going forward.”
So: Drink together, drink responsibly, and always try to stop drinking before you get to this level…
(Via First We Feast)
