More bad things happen in relationships when couples are drinking. This is not at all to say that everyone who enjoys an alcoholic beverage has a drinking problem. When issues in relationships–and all relationships sometimes have issues–are not dealt with openly and effectively, they tend to rear up ugly heads when alcohol is consumed. Part of the reason it’s nice to have a glass of wine or a beer is that these can help individuals feel more relaxed and part of what’s relaxed are inhibitions.
Not talking about difficulties doesn’t make them go away, even if it seems that way. It’s all a lie. Trouble just lurks under the surface and it will pop up.
If you and your partner squabble more when you’re drinking, you should probably talk about those very things when you’re sober and can use all your faculties to do the work of actually listening to one another.
Some couples believe that talking about issues keeps them from healing, but the reverse is true. Talking is only unproductive when the two of you have a hard time listening to one another. Couples often enter therapy when issues have gone unaddressed for a long time and are then bubbling up.
If you and your significant other get into fights when you’re drinking, don’t assume that they go away when you get sober.