Issue #5: Cream Pinstrip Suites Always Look Good

Welcome back!

The First Rule of H.M.C - Don’t Talk About the H.M.C

What’s on Today’s Agenda:

🍔 Damn, That Looks Good

👕 Cream Pinstripe Suits

🎧 New Song

🤣  Dad Joke

🤕 Stop Playing Defense In Your Marriage

🎃 Ranking Halloween Candy

👀 Event

Damn, That Looks Good

@michiganbbqaddicts

Roasted Garlic Steak Sandwiches on the Pit 🤘🔥 @Char-Griller @Malcom Reed @The Cavemanstyle @Kinder's Seasonings and Sauces @Hellmann’s May... See more

Your Wardrobe: Cream Pinstripe Suits

The pinstripe suit is timeless for anyone seeking a refined and polished look. We're elevating it with a refreshing twist this season by introducing a cream color palette. Perfect for summer, this light and airy combination adds a modern flair to classic tailoring. Pair it with a crisp button-down shirt, coordinating tie, and boat shoes for a sophisticated look. Consider mixing in soft shades like salmon or baby blue to inject a touch of boldness. For a more relaxed vibe, swap the shirt for a breathable t-shirt. Complete the ensemble with a stylish hat and sunglasses to stay cool while keeping your look effortlessly sharp.

Listen To This Song 💿

Stop Playing Defense In Your Marriage

When faced with a challenging issue in your marriage, do you confront it head-on, or do you find yourself hunkering down, hoping it will just disappear? It’s an instinct to avoid conflict, but avoidance can create deeper problems in the long run. Many people wait far too long to address real issues in their marriage.

Research shows that the average person waits seven years from the time they first recognize trouble in their marriage before seeking help. That’s seven years of discomfort, unmet needs, and unspoken frustrations. During that time, there may have been half-hearted conversations or attempts to address the issue, but couples often find themselves spinning their wheels, unable to make meaningful progress without the right tools.

It’s human nature to stick with what feels comfortable. Confronting problems in your relationship can be scary. The idea of digging into deeply rooted issues, exposing vulnerabilities, and risking emotional discomfort is enough to make anyone hesitate. So, instead of tackling the issue head-on, many couples opt to hunker down, much like you would in a snowstorm or when a hurricane is approaching. Taking cover makes sense in those situations because the storm will eventually pass.

But marital problems don’t just pass. They linger, and the longer they are ignored, the more difficult they become to resolve. Time alone doesn’t heal a strained marriage—addressing the core issues does. And playing defense, hoping the problem will disappear, won’t get you to a healthier place.

Think of it like a football game. A strong defense can prevent the other team from scoring, but you can't win the game without offense. You have to score points to win, which requires a solid game plan. In your marriage, you need that same game plan to tackle the challenges and make progress. Avoiding conflict or trying to keep your spouse comfortable by not raising complex topics won’t lead to resolution—it leads to a stagnant relationship.

The fear of rocking the boat can be paralyzing. You might think, “What if I bring this up, and it causes more harm than good? What if I make things worse?” But the reality is, that staying silent or avoiding the conversation can do just as much damage. You risk being in a relationship that doesn’t fulfill your needs, and over time, that can lead to resentment, dissatisfaction, and emotional disconnection.

Let’s go back to the boat analogy. If you’re stuck on a sandbar, you won’t get free by sitting still. It would be best if you rocked the boat to shift your position, but you must do it carefully. The goal isn’t to capsize but to move forward safely. Similarly, in your marriage, addressing problems requires strategy and care. Rocking the boat may feel uncomfortable, but it can be the only way to reach safer, more fulfilling waters.

Your marriage deserves that effort. Both you and your spouse deserve a relationship where your needs are met, and your concerns are heard. So, what does it take to score points on your marriage board? Here are some critical steps to consider:

1. Open Communication

The first step is to start communicating openly and honestly. If you’re feeling unfulfilled or your needs aren’t being met, you must have those conversations with your spouse. Even though it can be challenging to raise sensitive issues, clear communication is the foundation of any strong relationship. Without it, misunderstandings and resentment can build up over time.

2. Be Vulnerable

It’s easy to shy away from difficult conversations because they require vulnerability. Opening up about your feelings, fears, and desires can feel risky, but it’s necessary to deepen the connection with your partner. Sharing your vulnerabilities fosters intimacy and invites your spouse to share theirs, creating a space for mutual understanding and support.

3. Listen and Validate

Once you’ve opened the door to communication, it’s equally important to listen. Validate your spouse’s feelings, even if you don’t fully agree with them. Acknowledge their perspective and show empathy. This creates a safe environment where both partners feel heard and respected, which is critical for resolving conflicts.

4. Seek Guidance

If you’ve been struggling to address the issues independently, don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether through marriage counseling, books, or workshops, getting professional guidance can provide you with the tools and skills needed to navigate the challenges in your relationship. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to admit that you need outside help to move forward.

5. Commit to Change

Once you’ve identified the problems, commit to making changes individually and as a couple. This might involve developing new habits, letting go of old resentments, or finding new ways to meet each other’s needs. Progress requires both partners to be actively engaged and committed to improving the relationship.

6. Be Patient

Change doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and your spouse as you work through the issues. There will likely be setbacks, but with persistence and effort, you can see improvements. Building a stronger, more fulfilling marriage is a process; every small step counts.

In the end, facing challenges in your marriage is an opportunity for growth. It’s not about avoiding conflict or waiting for things to improve magically—it’s about taking action and investing in the future of your relationship. If you choose to take on the challenges together, you can create a stronger, more resilient, and ultimately more rewarding partnership for both of you. So don’t hunker down—step up, communicate, and work toward putting points on the board in your marriage.

Try Out This Dad Joke At Work

I once submitted 10 puns to a joke competition. I really thought with that many, one was sure to win. Sadly, no pun in ten did.

Ranking Halloween Candy 🎃

Ranking classic Halloween candy from worst to best is a fun and lighthearted look at the treats that have become Halloween staples over the years. The ranking reflects taste preferences and the nostalgia associated with these candies, each evaluated based on flavor, texture, and overall appeal. Some candies are polarizing, while almost everyone believes others.

Worst to Best: A Breakdown

The ranking begins with the candies that tend to be the least popular due to their divisive nature, and it gradually works its way up to the universally loved favorites.

Bottom Tier: The Controversial Choices

1. Candy Corn Candy corn typically ranks at the bottom of many Halloween candy lists. While some enjoy its unique flavor, others are put off by its waxy texture and overly sweet taste. Despite its iconic association with the holiday, it remains one of the most polarizing Halloween treats.

2. Necco Wafers Necco Wafers are often considered outdated. Their chalky texture and bland flavor don’t appeal to modern candy lovers, making them more of a nostalgic relic than a desirable treat. Despite their colorful appearance, they tend to be left behind in Halloween candy piles.

3. Tootsie Rolls Tootsie Rolls are a long-standing Halloween staple, but their chewy texture and ambiguous flavor have kept them from being a top favorite. While some people appreciate their chocolate-like taste, others find them confusing and unremarkable compared to other candies.

4. Mary Janes: With peanut butter and molasses flavor, Mary Janes are another candy that tends to be left behind after Halloween. Their hard texture and firm, distinctive taste appeal to a niche audience, but many find them challenging to chew and too old-fashioned for their liking.

Mid-Tier: The “Okay” Candies

5. Smarties Smarties are chalky, pastel-colored discs in the middle of the rankings. They don’t offer bold flavors, but their simplicity makes them a fun snack that doesn’t offend. They’re a harmless treat, though not one that generates much excitement compared to other candies.

6. Dum Dums Dum Dums lollipops are small and come in various flavors, including a “Mystery Flavor” that adds some intrigue. While they aren’t the most exciting candy, their variety and portability make them a decent choice for Halloween. They’re not a top pick, but they are far from the bottom.

7. Milk Duds Milk Duds are caramel-centered candy coated with a hard chocolate shell. While their flavor is enjoyable, their texture—especially the tendency for the caramel to stick to teeth—keeps them from being a top-tier treat. However, they are more satisfying than some of the lower-ranked options.

Top Tier: The Favorites

8. M&M’s are versatile and widely loved candy. Their crunchy shell and chocolate filling make them a hit among Halloween trick-or-treaters. Whether it's the classic milk chocolate or peanut variety, M&M’s are a reliable treat that pleases most candy lovers.

9. Snickers Snickers are ranked highly because they combine nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate. They provide a satisfying blend of flavors catering to those who enjoy sweet and salty snacks. Snickers are often a top choice, loved by kids and adults alike for their hearty, filling nature.

10. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups top the list as a fan favorite. The smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate combination is hard to beat, making them a beloved treat that’s almost always the first to go from a Halloween candy haul. Their perfect balance of flavors and creamy texture makes them a near-universally adored candy.

What Makes a Great Halloween Candy?

A great Halloween candy must strike the right balance between taste, texture, and satisfaction. Treats that offer multiple flavors, like sweet and salty or creamy and crunchy, tend to fare better in these rankings. Candies that are easy to eat, don’t require too much effort (like hard-to-chew options), and offer a rewarding flavor experience will naturally rise to the top.

Texture is another critical factor. Candies with a chewy texture, especially those that stick to teeth or are hard to bite into, tend to be ranked lower because they create an unpleasant eating experience. Conversely, candies with a pleasant crunch or creaminess are more appealing.

Variety is another key aspect of a top-tier Halloween candy. Treats that offer different flavors or versions, like M&Ms or Dum Dums, are more likely to keep people interested than those with only one flavor profile. Candy that offers something for everyone, from kids to adults, will usually be more popular during Halloween.

Nostalgia vs. Flavor

Nostalgia plays a significant role in how certain candies are perceived. Older candies like Necco Wafers or Mary Janes may evoke fond memories for some people, but their outdated flavors and textures don’t stand up to today’s candy standards. On the other hand, treats like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers have remained popular over the years because they offer a satisfying taste experience that appeals to a broad audience.

People’s preferences for Halloween candy can vary widely, but certain candies are almost universally agreed upon as winners. Treats that combine flavors, have appealing textures, and offer a sense of indulgence are more likely to be enjoyed by trick-or-treaters. Those who rely too heavily on nostalgia without delivering on taste are often left behind.

Conclusion

Halloween candy rankings offer a mix of personal preference and broad appeal. While some treats, like candy corn or Necco Wafers, may have their devoted fans, their polarizing flavors and textures make them less desirable for most. On the other hand, candies like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, and M&M’s are consistently celebrated for their combination of flavors and widespread popularity. Ultimately, a great Halloween candy delivers on taste, texture, and enjoyment, providing a fun treat for anyone indulging in the holiday festivities.

👀 Event

Saturday: Nov 2 2024

6:00 PM

The Loving Touch

22634 Woodward AveFerndale, MI 48220

$10.00

All Ages

Get Your Tickets