Are you ready for some football?
It is a long-standing joke that couples fight during football season; traditionally, women complain that all men want to do is watch football and NOTHING else. I have some tips for surviving this season that, for some, comes much too soon and for others could last year-round.
1. Ladies, cherish this time- let ‘em watch football! Get some alone time. Take this opportunity to do the things that you love. Bonus: you know where they are and what they’re doing.
2. Men, if your team sucks, do NOT take that bet. Okay, it’s great to be loyal to your team but you know if the squad is deficient in key areas. If you must take the bet, let it be for $20 and not the vacation fund.
3. Make it a family affair. Maybe not for every game, but cook some good food and snacks, buy some team colors and gear and watch the game at home with your kids and/or significant other. If they don’t know the game, explain it to them; start with the basics and go from there. They’ll love you for it.
4. The world does not stop for football. This may sound blasphemous to some, but let’s be real. We can not forget our responsibilities because it’s Sunday or Monday…or Saturday. When you don’t pitch in on the shared responsibilities- house cleaning, running errands, child care, grocery shopping- it creates frustration and tension.
5. Do nice things for your mate. If you know that many of your hours are going to be spent in front of the TV, at the stadium or at the sports bar, make sure you still spend quality time.
6. Don’t pick a fight because the game is coming on. You knew they loved football when you first met. Besides, it will make them resent you and you will seem petty when the game isn’t the true issue. It’s only football for goodness sake…
7. Tap into their passion for the game. I won’t go into detail, but use your imagination and be creative.
8. Join in the fun. Just because it may not be your favorite passtime, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. Watch a few games- try it, you might like it. (Tip: you don’t have to sit thru the entire game, especially the halftime report. You can move in and out and still have fun.)
9. Host a football party. Invite some of your friends too, this way it is a shared time but you can have your own fun.
10. It’ll all be over soon enough. There are far worse obsessions than football. Many men and women love it and it is harmless fun (most of the time).
