Bars and hotels were remarkably smart when they created the happy hour. Reduced prices on drinks and free hors d'oevres quickly filled up tables that formerly sat empty during the late afternoon doldrums.

But the food and drinks are only window dressing for the real pull of happy hour - the chance to unwind from the day, put work behind us, and slowly and comfortably ease back into the world outside our daily grind.

Rather than spend this time with work associates, create your own wind-down celebration at home. Put out drinks on your living room table whether it be liquor, wine, beer, fruit juice or soda. Whip up some simple hors d'oevres: crackers, cheese, nachos, bite-sized frozen pizzas, tacos, or garlic bread. If you're on a diet, chop some vegetables with a little seasoning and dip or buy an assortment of salad scoops from the supermarket deli.

The important thing is to sit and chat with each other as

work problems slip away. An hour of such socialization creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and communication that sets up your evening together in a relaxed and affectionate fashion.

Make it a tradition you can both look forward to with pleasant anticipation, if not daily, at least as often as your divergent schedules allow.

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