There are many types of guys in the world: the romantic guy, the artistic guy, and the confident guy. And then there’s the athlete. These guys are higher up on the food chain, mainly for their built figures and that oh-so-desirable 6-pack. Something about being able to throw a ball through a net or tackle another guy down screams testosterone. But admiring from afar and actually having a relationship with an athlete is quite different from dating the average Joe. And God help you if you become the Jessica Simpson to his Tony Romo – becoming the team’s scapegoat for bad playing. For them, their sport becomes the other women – his reason for having to cancel your plans and something that requires as much time as his relationship with you. So what things should you know or prepare for if you are interested in dating an athlete or are already?
Being an athlete entails many things: long periods of training, away from home games, and busy schedules. It can be all too easy to feel as though you’re not as important to him as his love of the game. But being a good girlfriend means being able to be understanding and supportive. Instead of feeling resentful of the game, match his compassion for it. Be that obnoxious girlfriend that goes to every game, wearing the appropriate school colors with his name written all over your jersey. And when the referee makes a call that hurts your team, shout out “bullshit” (even though deep inside you know it was probably the right call) with the rest of the fans. This will only bring you two closer together because you share an interest in something that plays such an important role in his life.
As every athlete’s girlfriend knows, his mood after the game and possibly the subsequent weekend is all depending on if the team wins or loses. If the team won, you can expect wild after parties and a great night. But if the team lost, don’t be surprised if he suddenly cancels his plans on you or just wants to stay in. Irrational? Check. Let’s just hope that this bad mood will only last the night of the game. But just because he doesn’t go out doesn’t mean you have to become the stay-at-home girlfriend. Now’s the time to call up the girls that you may have been neglecting. It beats sitting at home with a boyfriend that’s determined with re-playing the game over and over in his mind until he rationalizes the loss.
When he has those away games and you’re stuck at home, it can be easy to feel a little insecure about your relationship. You may be starting to come up with stories of him and some random girl in your mind. And even when he is here, there are many girls that may be eyeing him up. Jealousy is a common enemy that rears its face. But keep in mind that if he wanted to be single, he would be. And at the end of the night it’s you he is going home with. Only you can testify to the strength of your relationship. So if you trust him with your heart, you can trust him with his fidelity.