As The Stomach Turns – Why I Can’t Stand the Smell of Beer
It’s funny how your stomach turns at the smell of beer—a scent I once found pleasant but now abhor. A couple of nights a week, hubby pops himself a beer. Nothing wrong with that. He can handle alcohol and finds that one beer is enough—just enough to relax him after a long day at work.
But for me? The beer smell makes me sick.
Why I Can’t Stand the Smell of Beer Anymore
When it’s time for bed, I check the darned kitchen sink one last time so I can start the morning fresh without facing stacks of dirty dishes. I hear you asking, “What’s wrong with your dishwasher?” Well, it needs fixing, but you usually don’t wash beer cans in one, right? Right!
Anyway, hubby usually rinses out his empty beer can—ready for recycling—but sometimes he forgets. On those occasions when the can is staring me in the face and I have to rinse it, well, the beer smell makes me want to retch.
At first, I thought I was just being picky. But then I realized something deeper was at play.
A Reformed Drinker? Or Just a New Association?
I’m behaving just like a reformed smoker. I wonder if there’s a saying out there too, for “a reformed drinker”? There probably is.
Over two decades ago, there was nothing nicer to me than the smell of a fresh cold beer. Now? Ugh. In fact, I can’t stand the smell of beer anymore! But why?
The answer lies in somatic markers—emotional associations stored in your brain. In simple terms, a somatic marker is a shortcut your brain uses to guide decision-making and reactions. I’ve unknowingly linked the scent of beer to something unpleasant, and now my body is reacting accordingly.
It’s fascinating how this works. If you’re curious about the psychology behind it, I touch upon the basic premise here.
Your Nose Will Adapt Too—And Your Body Will Thank You
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Just 66 days from now, you too could be crinkling your nose at the beer smell! And feeling better than you have in years—because now you’re sober.
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You can thank me later … 😉
Really identified with the part about the kitchen sink being a nightly ritual, Susan Gast. It’s those small habits that set us up for a fresh start the next day, isn’t it? Love how you intertwined this with the larger theme of transformation and sobriety. It’s not just about the big changes but the accumulation of these small acts that pivot our direction in life. Thanks for sharing!
interesting point maggie but dont u think it’s more about willpower than just routines? just playing devil’s advocate here lol
Hey, does anyone know if there’s a community out there for people trying to give up drinking but also love Sci-Fi? Would be cool to have that kind of support group.