Whine (n)  complaining voice; long high-pitched annoying sound

Wine (n)  alcoholic drink made from fermented grape juice

I just want to start this Word Well Wednesday with a disclaimer that when I wrote this, I did not have any specific people in mind – really! Nor am I advocating consumption of wine; merely, exploring words.

Whine brings to mind a grating, sing-song, squealing tone with long drawn out words.  It is a negative attention-getter.  Unfortunately, it grabs attention and then quickly works the opposite in repelling people rather than drawing them closer.  Think about it – do you find yourself wanting to spend time with those who whine?  The constant complaining or finding fault wears friendships thin very quickly.  Now we all have those moments where we find ourselves unhappy with a situation and venting provides relief.  Good friends are there for support as a sounding board.  It is the ongoing moaning that can become annoying.  The lack of motivation to make a change or solve the aggravation exasperates the irritation. 

There are some people whose nature it is to whine.  Tough to maintain a friendship with these folks.  Have you ever been in a situation where someone is going on and on about all the negative aspects of every topic of conversation?  Have you tried to maneuver the conversation with a positive spin?  It is like turning a car that has lost its power steering capabilities.  I was recently in a conversation with someone I didn’t know well.  They had an ongoing tirade of negativity.  Trying to display some compassion, I offered suggestions of other outlooks.  I wasn’t completely successful, but she did become more thoughtful in her perspectives.  Hopefully, the power of the whine doesn’t drag you into a pity party pit!  Perhaps, though, it will drive you to our next word of the day, wine.

Wine has been around for thousands of years.  It’s biblical!  If there is fruit, there is always the possibility of wine.  I understand there are wine drinkers, beer drinkers and a nice balanced group that enjoy both.  Wine is an interesting beverage.  Like coffee, there are a number of reasons to enjoy –flavor, aroma, variety, etc.  Plus, there are so many pretty glasses in which to stage your beverage!  Paired with foods, wine enhances many of the flavors of nibbles and entrees.  There is also a social aspect of enjoying wine.  Getting together with friends or family, sharing laughter, good food with responsibly consumed wine can make for a pleasant evening.

Some research suggests that there are health benefits to drinking wine in moderation by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.  More studies focus on red wine rather than white.  As in most things, excessive consumption leads to negative outcomes and health risks.  If you choose to enjoy, please do so responsibly.

Reviewing our two words for this week, perhaps, whining originated first and then some very altruistic individuals saw the need for wine?