The (Real) Girlfriend’s Guide to Holiday Football…or…5 Reasons to Get into Sports

Alright, I find it amazing that in 2007 (almost 2008) that there are still people who think women need to be educated about the difference between a touchdown and a home run! Personally, I was starting to believe that there were hardly any men who enjoyed sports anymore. Lately I seem to run into an alarmingly large number of guys who aren’t even sure what the difference between Bryant Young and Kobe Bryant is. In addition, I meet women nearly every day that are passionate about their favorite sport. Don’t forget also macho guys – there are plenty of girls who went to colleges with excellent teams that follow them in bowl season! If you are one of those women that have not caught on to just how awesome sporting events are – I have five suggestions to help you get into it!
1. Think of this as a bonding time with friends! Whether you are at a sports bar or throwing your own party, have a good time with it! Instead of complaining about having to be there, why not realize that it is 3, maybe 4 hours of your life that you are spending with people you love (or at least like a lot)?
2. If you are hosting the event – use this time to show off your cooking/drink making skills! Who doesn’t like a good party? I mean seriously – some of the same women I have known that wasted an enormous amount of energy whining about having to watch a football game or two would also host Christmas and other parties. Certainly a party where you make finger foods and margaritas is just as fun whether or not there is a game on.
3. Make a game of it yourself! There are so many ways that you can “bet” on different aspects of the game. For example; who wins the coin toss, scores first, garners first penalty, etc. Make a list prior to the game and then hand them out when guests arrive. If it is just you and your man, keep score between the two of you. Winner gets bragging rights or maybe some other special prize! This will make things more exciting and the game will fly by!
4. Get in on a pool with others or make your own! There is a bowl game or two on almost every day during this time. Go to your little computer and look on ESPN for what is coming up and challenge others to pick the winners.
5. The biggest reason to watch sports is because they are AWESOME! Forget Wisteria Lane or who got some freaking rose girls, there is plenty of drama here (see Patriots/Jets scandal earlier this year, Kobe and LeBron’s scoring prowess, and Roger Clemens). There are heroes (Brett Farve), villains (Terrell Owens), nice guys (Tony Dungy), and hotties (Derek Jeter) to name a few. If you really do hate sports, I can only say that you probably haven’t taken the time to give them a chance. You don’t have to like them all and you don’t have to watch every game. All I am saying - is give ‘em a chance! Oh – and please don’t talk to me when the game’s on – I’m trying to watch!

I believe everyone can appreciate the skill and complexity of football, baseball, and nearly every televised sport.