Debra Kunz

Dating a sports fan can be tricky business.

Here in the Kansas City area, the Kansas City Royals baseball team played their first playoff game since 1985 and won it in a nail-biting 12 inning battle. It’s a big week in Kansas City sports, especially since the Kansas City Chiefs just stomped the New England Patriots in Monday night football. And, that’s just two of the pro teams. I didn’t even mention the college games.

Already had enough sports talk with just that paragraph? Or, are you the sports fan and he’s not?

Either way, when you are dating a sports fan, it’s crucial to remember that it’s a passion in their life and you aren’t going to change it. So, you can be upset that your date wants to watch the games, or you can adapt the “if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em” attitude and watch a few together. Notice I didn’t say watch all of them together. Especially in baseball, that’s A LOT of games.

Yes, the flip side is your sports-fan-date needs to recognize that their team isn’t exactly on your priority list and be conscientious of how much time they are spending on their sports teams and not with you. But, I can’t control what they do and neither can you so let’s get back to focusing on what you can do.

1.  Join them for some games and seek to understand why they love it so much. It doesn’t mean you will love it nearly the same, but it does show you care about what they care about. One very important tip – do not ask them about why they love it so much DURING the game. That’s when he is watching the game. Ask him on a totally different day.

2.  Schedule time with your other non-sports-fan-friends during game time.

3.  Make some ‘you’ time during game time. Get a massage, go to the salon, see a movie, or read a favorite book.

4.  Get out of town. This might be with your friends or on your own.

5.  Do that project you’ve been talking about but haven’t ever started yet because you “don’t have time.” If you aren’t going to watch the game, or spend time with friends, or make time for yourself to relax, then do something else that’s productive.

Sports fans have a lot of passion for their team(s) and the game. Find out what created such a strong connection for them. You might be surprised by what you learn about your man and his life before you.

Date Deliberately,

Debra

P.S. For more dating insights, check out the book voted #1 best dating book, “Love is Blind Only if You Are.”