Dating a Football Fanatic
What's not to like about a sport that features huddling?
By Suzanna Gagnier
Special to Yahoo! Personals
Updated: May 22, 2009
What makes a football nut tick? In general, men seem to have an overzealous infatuation with sports. As football is the number-one spectator sport in America, it stands to reason that the love affair with sports is stronger than ever during the fall season. But what is so appealing about watching 22 oversized men crashing into each other down on the field? Why do men sit and watch football for hours on end?
Before we write the football fan out of your life, let's take a moment to understand the connection he has to his favorite team.
Why football is a healthy habitIt turns out one of the few places our society allows men to express their emotions is on the athletic field. Down on the field men can dance and cry and even give big bear hugs to their teammates.
On the turf, our society allows men -- even the tough guys -- to share their strongest emotions with one another.
On the turf, our society allows men -- even the tough guys -- to share their strongest emotions with one another.
The freedom for men to share their emotions on the playing field spills over into the stands, and the spectators too can express their emotions. The living room is just an extension of the stadium, and thus men across the world can join in the enthusiastic rituals of cheering and dancing and slapping of high fives.
Sports and sports-related topics enable men to express themselves, either in verbal communication with one another, or emotionally and physically by jumping for joy at a touchdown. Sports are an important part of men's lives, and we have learned this is really healthy for our guy.
Higher self-esteemAmazingly, psychologists have discovered that men and women who have a strong affinity toward a team are more likely to have higher self-esteem, have a truer sense of community, suffer less depression, and are more likely to be associated with groups than are non-fans.
So, in essence, the crazier the sports nut, the more emotionally sound he/she is.
So, in essence, the crazier the sports nut, the more emotionally sound he/she is.
So whether or not you understand the rules of the game, go over to the couch and make some room for yourself next to your old sports nut. Snuggle up and watch the game together. Soon you may learn to enjoy the game as much as he does, and maybe become even a bigger fan!
Five tips for enjoying football with fanatic friends:- Chunk it down. At first learning about football can seem difficult. Don't try to learn everything all at once. Take time to ask your friends about the game. They will love that you are showing interest, and of course will love talking about their favorite team.
- Pick a team to learn something about, and read an article or two each week about that team.
- Find a player on that team you would like to know more about. Drill down into his schooling, family life or aspirations. It is great to know about a teammate, and it helps make the game a bit more personal.
- Plan any social engagements around a football game well in advance. This way you will have time to participate in the event, instead of actively hosting the party.
- Look up one play or football topic a week. Soon you will find you are speaking (and understanding) all the football lingo.
