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Sometimes it’s tough

Why is it sometimes so tough to admit you’re wrong?

During my lifespan, I’ve encountered quite a few situations in which neither one of us can admit we are wrong. Is it ego that creates this scenario, stupidity or just plan stubbornness? Whatever the reason and at certain times, we seem hardwired to never accept our fallacy. Me, wrong? Nope! Can’t happen!

And, to add to that thought, I expect there’s not been a human who is living or has lived who didn’t have to admit they were wrong about something. Furthermore, solving that situation without causing a family, friendship or business relationship fraction calls for creative diplomacy.

To put that phrase into everyday jargon, that’s when the rubber meets the road!

To give an example…

A friend and I were meeting to have a glass of wine — how’s that for a surprise? Both of us know a bit about wine and it’s always fun to try a new wine together and then describe what we smell, taste and feel. We entered the restaurant, were seated and searching the wine list, we came across a bottle of wine neither of us had before tasted. It was ordered.

The wine we requested was a bottle of August Kesseler Spȁtburgunder — a German Pinot Noir from Rheingau. The bottle appeared before us, it was opened and our discussion began.

Both of us agreed we smelled the very soft scent of cherries — enticingly delicate. So far, we are in agreement but we’ve just started and soon our paths diverged. Yes, we agreed the mouth feel was nice and light and smooth — the wine sat silently in our mouths waiting for us to swallow. But, before the swallow occurred, I felt quite a bit of dryness in the wine — my friend only tasted its softness.

We swallowed the liquid and my companion stated the wine had some earthy notes with chocolate undertones. I replied that nothing but cherries and strawberries were in the swallowing — nothing else. We went back and for and upon a few more sips, I began to taste the earthiness and chocolate in the wine but … I couldn’t admit it. No, nothing but cherries and strawberries!

We went back and forth throughout the bottle and I was eventually relaxed enough to admit there ‘might be’ some chocolate tastes in the wine, too. Fortunately, we could laugh about the matter and my ego, great wine tasting knowledge or stubbornness finally let go and I admitted to tasting the earthiness of the wine. Sometimes it tough to acknowledge one’s mistakes!

By the way, if you can get a bottle of August Kesseler Pinot Noir (Or Spȁtburgunder, as the Germans call it.), I heartily recommend it. It’s a very dry red with so many tastes and scents — maybe even, some earthiness! It’s tough to let go sometimes!

Being stubborn is a human trait — we’ve all been there and done that, right? However, it doesn’t have to spoil relationships or experiences and that’s when we find common ground in something. I enjoy Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Dry Riesling from the Columbia Valley. I cut my wine tasting teeth on a German Riesling and this wine takes me back to those young memories and I can relive and enjoy them again.

Yet, there’s someone in my family who does not like it, period! To much dryness for her, period! So, we compromise. When this terrific Riesling — with its amazing acidity and minerality — is poured for me, I pour a glass of sweeter wine for her — maybe a Bogle Merlot. Both are good and, rather than make a scene, we take the toughness out of the picture by each letting the other enjoy what they want.

Nothing like compromise — now, if our current politicians could just learn that word, please!

There’s a wine that both of us enjoy – 14 Hands Stampede — Bold Red Blend. It’s made by combining merlot and mostly Syrah grapes and it’s very tasty and pleasing. My better half likes it as I do but, I always have to remind her the wine is quite dry with lots of spice. This is a noticeable wine and not to be taken lightly — I just can’t stop being a stinker — sometimes it just too tough or fun!

Yea, life is tough sometimes but if we all strive for the common good, we can continue to work together, play together, live together, eat and sip together and, most importantly, laugh together.

Yes, sometimes its tough but we can do it!

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!

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