Beer - Man's comforter

Alas, it took me so long to realise when grown-up men turn to beer on TV, after after a quarrel (usually involving relationships).

As said earlier, I had an argument with Xueyan on Friday night. Things certainly got worse on Saturday. Can count on one hand the number of sentences exchanged. Have I misunderstood her? Am I getting complacent in this relationship? Has my apology not suffice?

I went to bed last night without saying anything. I remember Ephesians 4:26 (In your anger, do not sin; DO NOT LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON YOUR ANGER). Yet I am powerless to reconcile this. I just cannot understand her. Does she not know with every "It's none of your business", "please dun disturb me", "go away" is tantamount to a knife that cuts deeper into my heart. I have condoned and disregarded this for years, in hope that she will eventually understand. Does she not understand that with love comes respect? Love is not JUST a ragged doll waiting for more punches. And I simply forget about this each time she apologises.

It's definitely harder this time. I went up to her after church this morning and asked a simple question about the wedding dinner she attended last night and got a "It's none of your business". I went silent but if she could hear, there was a heart crying. We went our separate ways after church. I had instant noodles while she had dim sum. I went to sleep in the afternoon and was awakened by a SMS - "Serene asked me out for dinner tonight. Settle yours yourself".

Now I know what beer's for. As I looked at the ice-cold Foster that stood untouched in the fridge for the last 6 months, I know it has been watching all these unfold. Quietly but knowingly. It has suddenly become a friend that just listened to my sorrows.