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Last week Beth the CN Yoga Blogger posted a note on Facebook asking “Are any of you ladies big football fans? Guys, are your wives into football? I’m not, my husband is. Any insight appreciated.” She is a great lady and really wanted to know how she could share her hubbies passion for the sport of kings (or something like that).
Before you try and like football, you need to understand what kind of football fan you live with? Once you know the kind of fan you are living with, you will be able to gage the level of commitment you have to make.
The easiest answer is “fake it.” Ladies, you have gotten pretty good at making loud noises at the most opportune times, do the same thing here. If he yells, you yell, if he jumps up and down, you jump up and down, faking it won’t make you enjoy the game any more than you already do, but it will make him think you are enjoying the game and I think many of you know how that scenario works already. Just sayin’
If you want to move past the Fake Fangasm then you need to identify what kind of fan your man is.
The Unresolved Hero– The guy who lives down the street and for whatever reason has to dress like a golfer falls into this category. He played football for four years thirty years ago and has never let it go.
You know the guy, his kids play the game, he more than likely coaches the kids and paces the sidelines unable to relax or give an inch “come on Bobby, that should have been a 101 yard run back, what’s wrong with you!” He doesn’t like to watch with the neighbors, or even the family, because he “has to focus on the game.”
Making this guy happy isn’t easy, because “you never played the game” but you can do it, it’s hard work, but if you are willing to put in the time, you might get eye contact during a game…someday.
DAD recommends diving in head first, join an online fantasy team, read the blogs, listen to the AM radio shows, wake up early and watch Sports Center. You have to want to learn, take notes, get on a forum and ask questions, never ask the Unresolved Hero a question that only shows weakness. Nothing will give the Unresolved Hero morning wood quicker than some unexpected football banter. It doesn’t have to be a lot, just take it from the sportscasters, “Did you see RG3, he was colder than the other side of the pillow! Now he’s RG 0-3!” It may take a year or two, but eventually you will know football better than his “old center” and more than likely enjoy the intricacies of the game.
The Social Media Super Fan– He’s plugged in, on game day, he has his laptop ready, his tablet and his phone all changed and ready to Tweet, comment and share his every thought.
The Social Media Super Fan is a hard nut to crack. I once had dinner with a Social Media Super Fan who ran a Twitter account for baseball no-hitters, some pitcher was pitching a no-hitter and he could hardly look away from his phone to talk. When I made fun of what he was doing, he yelled, in the restaurant “this is serious, shut up!”
Fortunately the Social Media Super Fan is also a social guy. He loves the game, but also enjoys the interaction. Again you need to study, but not as hard, check out a few blogs, subscribe to a few of the players Twitter feeds and know a few of the facts that make the game fun. When the time is right, Tweet him something cool “If Cutler keeps getting protection he could take the #Bears all the way to the #Superbowl.”
From there, keep up with the blogs and Tweets, you will pick up a great deal of tips and insights as well as be able to plug into the game and communicate with the Social Media Super Fan.
The Fun Guy Fan– He likes the game, he knows the game, but likes to have fun while watching. The Fun Guy Fan likes to have a game day party, friends, food, drinks and lots of joking around.
Getting into the fun with the Fun Guy Fan is a matter of timing and knowledge. You need to keep up with the news and find a blog or two to check up on, Twitter will help you with jokes and game facts as well. Once you are armed with a few facts about the game, work it into the conversation.
GOOD EXAMPLE-“Do you think Trestman knows he can only have 11 guys on the field?” or “Come on ref, that’s pass interference, I don’t get that much banging after a bottle of red wine!”
BAD EXAMPLE-“ Cutler you suck, no wonder your wife can’t keep a nanny.”
The Fun Guy Fan wants you to have fun. You can make up drinking games, ask questions and he will even pause the DVR for a little Oral Therapy, your studying is minimal with the Fun Guy Fan, but you still need to put in some time, it will make the game fun and you will learn more about football.
Once you define the kind of fan your husband, spouse, boyfriend, partner is, your journey to football fan-dome will be easy.
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If you are looking to get loose and limber or want to share football tips with Beth, click here to check out her great blog.
