5 of 9

Football's effect on relationships

by Amanda Coyle

"TOUCHDOWN!" I will be the first one off the couch screaming at the television and doing and silly dance. Sports have been an avid part of my life since I was young. I have been on several sports teams both local and traveling. When I was 19 I met my current husband. Things were going great, we would laugh and simply just love being together. Little did he know the effect my sports loving would have on our relationship. I will never forget the first football game that I watched when he was over. It was a Sunday game, the Eagles vs. the Cowboys which are our "rivals." He was very nice and agreeing to watch the game with my family and I. Little did he know what he was in for. About 3 minutes into the game, the Eagles score a touch down and I went flying towards the television and my cousin and I did a little dance around the room. The look on my husbands face was priceless. He had a look of total shock and probably thinking to himself "What in the world was that." He simply looked at me, shook his head, and went into his room to read comic books. From that point on when I am watching sports games, he schedules outings with his friends or family so he can avoid my rants about the game. We are opposites when it comes to sports, and I wish he could share the same love. Sometimes you have those differences. I love my husband with all my heart, but there is a part of my heart that is shared with my teams on game day! Although opposites attract, they always don't have to agree on everything and it is always nice to have a little "me" time with my team. No one will change my love for sports, it's my way or the highway when it comes to my teams! His comics will never compare about the adrenaline rush you get during your teams game, nothing will. Now that I am married, it's just me and the television for game days unless I visit family. So when I, a girl, am suiting up in my jersey on game day and reaching for the chicken wings, I always kiss my husband goodbye and get my head in the game!

My advice to girls who love sports more than their husbands: Don't ever stop loving sports, but also don't let it come between your relationship. Sometimes in a relationship you have to make sacrifices on game days. If it is that much of a problem between you and your husband (boyfriend), meet half way. Maybe one weekend you have your games, while the next he takes you out to dinner (there is always TiVo or DVR to record the game ;)! ) Although I love sports more than most, I would not let it destroy our relationship. See if he wants to do something on game days like my husband. Suggest he meets with family or friends for a few hours. All-in-all if you love each other you will make it work. LONG LIVE SPORTS!

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA