The NBA Playoffs are back in full swing and once again fans and not-fans tune in to see which team claims the championship and collect their rings. Such a time took me back to a moment I shared with an avid sports enthusiast…
It’s Cinco de Mayo 2016 in Houston and the playoffs are underway. Given both events I agreed to a dinner-date with, let’s call him Jake, to take advantage of the holiday drink specials and enjoy some great conversation. The margaritas were on deck, the conversation was not thanks to his compulsive need to check his phone for scores every few minutes. After my borderline desperate attempts to create some sort of dialogue, including Googling 62 First Date Questions (despite us dating for almost a year), I was ready to go. And surprise, surprise, the whole night went to hell in a hand-basket after Jake accused me of giving him attitude for wanting to leave.
While I didn’t show any signs of aggression or speak in a snarky tone one would associate with an attitude, I was simply tired of sitting in silence watching this guy on what was suppose to be a fun night out nose-deep in his phone keeping tabs on LeBron and em.’
Thanks to Jake’s lack of consideration and communication, we didn’t get a chance to have a successful outing. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the first (or last) time I’ve taken a backseat to professional athletes. If we take it back to my high school days before I owned a car, I can recall having to wait to be picked up by a male relative 30 minutes to an hour after my shift ended whenever the Saints were on. Toss in growing up with ESPN on 24/7 it’s clear to see why I’ve grown to despise sports well into adulthood. However I soon realized my distaste wasn’t towards these organizations and the players, but the (male) fans who can't function during these events.
Cut back to the present:
To this day, I remain indifferent about professional sports. Don’t get me wrong, I understand why fans are into it. For one, it’s sports. Humans get to watch their favorite players competitively exert their bodies for a championship and endorsements.What I don’t get is the inability to navigate through life –specifically relationships– during these games. It’s not like many fellas haven’t expressed or related to this sentiment:
“Ladies be quiet when the game is on” or “let your man watch the game.”
Let’s be honest, everyone has a hobby or something they’re into. Men shouldn’t have to send baby to the corner whenever guys making more than their net worth per game are on t.v. There must be a way for sports-lovers everywhere to enjoy their beloved players while avoiding backlash from bae.
Luckily there is…
Photo:Giphy
Here are a few sure-fire ideas fans can use to get their game on without the excessive “nagging:"
1. Don’t Plan Outings on Game Nights
If you know you’re incapable of giving your undivided attention during dates like dear old Jake, then you might want to refrain from scheduling date nights when the Rockets (or whatever team you like) is playing.
2.Go to a Sports bar
You kill three birds with one stone: Get out the house, watch sports and drink(if you’re 21 and up) with your significant other. Don’t forget to actually talk to them though.
3.Make a Game Out of the Game
Ultimately, your boo just wants to be acknowledged and involved. Get them in on the competition with a fun little wager. Whichever team loses they’ll have to cook, do dishes or pay for the next date-night.
4.Make it Sexy
As with the third option, make a gamble out of playoffs but with a freaky twist. If your team wins your partner must fulfill your most sensual wishes. Either way, everyone wins!
5.Date Someone Who’s Into Sports Like You
Find a guy or gal who’ll go in full face-paint (unless you’re a Redskins fan), scream at the t.v. after a bad call and spend their hard-earned money on fan gear like you.
6.(Try to) Get Them on 2K or Madden
Remember “inclusion.” Doesn’t matter if they suck, have a hilariously harmless time on the PS4 or XBOX.
7. Divvy Up Your Attention
It’s possible to chew gum and walk at the same time, I promise. Just because the playoffs are on or you’re going hard on FIFA, doesn’t mean you can’t converse with your partner every-so-often. That's the reason why they came through, to exchange and hang with you.
Those are just a few I could think of but don’t be afraid to get creative. Are these fool-proof options? Perhaps. Hopefully, your companion is open and willing to acknowledge your effort. Keyword: effort, the main component of any thriving relationship. After all, we make time for who and what we want. However, if ball is truly “life” and you still can’t find that balance between the love for your boo and love for the game, perhaps you can let them go and pursue a budding friendship with a ball-player. I’m pretty sure Carmelo Anthony could use a friend.
