I recently moved into a new apartment, and I have this roommate. Her name is Tobey, and she’s a stunning blonde. Who went to Harvard. And teaches at a school for kids with autism. Now, here’s the kicker:
The other day, I heard audible cursing from the living room. Upon investigation, I noticed the TV was on: despite her beloved Boston Red Sox walloping the rival New York Yankees 7-2 late in the game, a mere Yankees single had roused the onslaught of damnations from my normally unflappable roommate. Or, was her anger derived from the other baseball game, the one displayed on her laptop? Or, possibly, the third game I assume she was checking on her phone?
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Turns out, Tobey is a diehard sports fan, especially when it comes to her hometown and alma mater. Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins—not to mention the Harvard hockey team, of which she missed one—that’s right, one—home game in her four years. Not to worry: Tobey compensated for her single absence by trekking around Ivy League for several of the squad’s away games.
Yes, she is a gem, and for a guy, it doesn’t hurt that her fanaticism towards the world of athletics is matched only by her knowledge of it. And yet, the idea that guys—even the most intense of sports fans—are invariably in search of a sports-savvy female is an absolute myth.
Don’t get me wrong: there are definite advantages to a female who can spit out Dan Uggla’s post-streak batting average or correctly define an icing call in hockey or climb the ranks of the fantasy football league. You’re not going to hear too many male sports fans complain if his new tennis partner, tailgating sidekick, and fellow SportsCenter junkie happens to be a girl who happens to be interested in him.
But as I see it, it’s less significant that such a couple has a common interest in sports and more significant that they have a common interest in something at all. That said, a mutual (albeit masochistic) love for, say, the Chicago Cubs could just as well be mutual love for the Ting Tings or yoga or anime. The most important thing is that the couple agrees—like how the entire world agrees that the Cubs do and forever will stink.
A good friend of mine is dating another one of these blindly passionate but undeniably informed sports girls. On the surface, their love for each other is fueled by their white-hot fervor for sports or, more generally, competition. Brooks converted Erika to his religious devotion to the New Orleans Saints, Erika (a former varsity volleyball player) set up Brooks’s spikes in our (men’s) intramural volleyball league, and the two of them infuriate the fraternity house with their beer pong dominance.
Yet, to suggest their relationship revolves around or works because of sports would be misguided and insulting. Of course, a common interest is valuable in building a foundation in a relationship, but their compatibility in other, more significant areas—communication, cohabitation, compromise—is what truly solidifies them as a dynamic duo. It’s not about their teams; it’s about their teamwork, sports notwithstanding.
I recently met Brooks’s sister, Heather, who beyond resembling a cross between Demi Moore and Sarah Silverman, is an absolutely lovely person—intelligent, hospitable, and down to earth. I later learned that she’s also a professional sports blogger, which is awesome but, considering her personality, mere icing on the cake.
A guy is not attracted to a female like Tobey or Erika or Heather’s interest in sports but rather the aspects of her character that formed said interest, because it says something about who she is. To guys who are truly passionate about sports, a female sports fan is relatable and comfortable with herself, unconcerned with stigmas, stereotypes, or fitting into a traditional gender role, all of which is infinitely more attractive than donning the home team’s jersey (which is still pretty hot). Plus, it helps that that each of these young women oozes wit, likeability, and utter radiance. Forget athletic prowess or expertise; these ladies are winners, period.
For some guys, though, an ideal romantic partner knows nothing about sports and cares even less. My former girlfriend, for example, would tailgate football games at her Big 10 powerhouse university, attend (notice I didn’t say “watch”) the first quarter or two, then go home and sleep for the second half. Some students live and die by football games—others nap through them.
Many guys, even big sports fans, find themselves attracted to and appreciative of that type of girl. For one, he can avoid the potential pitfalls of his romantic life overlapping with his male social life. He doesn’t need a girl analyzing strategies and regurgitating stats and booing questionable calls; that’s what Brad and Kevin and some guy with a weird nickname like J-Fizz are for.
A girl who’s clueless about sports also offers a much-needed escape from male conversation confined to the superficial and repetitive (albeit wide) world of sports. If you haven’t the slightest interest in what was said on Mike & Mike this morning and haven’t the slightest clue who Mike & Mike are, good news for him! Now, he has the opportunity to discuss literally anything besides sports. In fact, he doesn’t have a choice.
If you don’t know anything about sports, the only mistake you can make is a feeble attempt at an insightful or relevant comment. You’re better off asking a question you assume is dumb; your guy’s ego will be glad to answer in more detail than you ever wanted. By having him explain the sacrifice fly rule (which could take a while), you’re working to build his confidence, reaffirm his masculinity, and associate these positive feelings with you. Work that trick enough, and his attention may be turning from the big screen in the bar onto the pretty girl beside him.
Guys love girls who love sports—and girls who don’t. A guy won’t expect you to share his passions or interests, only to accept and tolerate them. And, of course, you should expect that from him. After all, in the game of love, the best strategy is compromise.
Source: http://www.tv.com/katie-aselton/person/72831/viewer.html?flag=&i=7&gri=72831&grti=104