Sports: Dating’s Untapped Resource
Women who like sports are hot. Really. Almost any red-blooded American male will certainly agree. If you’ve ever found yourself in a rowdy sports bar, you might have been too overwhelmed by the boisterous cheering and clanking beer glasses to approach any of the attractive, single men sitting around you. Here’s a tip: don’t be intimidated. Men play sports, women shop, or so we’re taught. Generalizations like this often prevent us from crossing over into another gender’s territory, even though we share similar interests. A lot of women are under the impression that voicing their love for sports to a guy is a turn-off because it’s too masculine, when in reality it’s a great advantage. Introducing yourself to a guy by talking about the big game will not only grab his attention, but it may make you the girl of his dreams.
Based on my personal experience, this works like a charm, and it’s easier than you think. On more than one occasion I’ve sat at a sports bar, surrounded by a dozen young men whose eyes are glued to the big screen TV. I’ve yelled at the Hawks to play defense; I’ve muttered that the Braves could use a double-play; I’ve hung my head in disgust when the Falcons go three and out; and I’ve never left without a phone number. Letting a guy know you’re interested in sports, even on a basic level, triggers a switch in their brain, and they gawk at you like you’re the rarest of diamonds. So, if you’re at the pub to watch the play-offs just like the boys, don’t be afraid to show it.
There are, of course, a few fine lines to consider. On one hand, a mutual appreciation for sports can spark a relationship as well as provide fun, active entertainment for dates. However, be careful about impeding on your guy’s time. If he wants to play tennis with his friends, the fact that you have a fierce back-hand doesn’t automatically mean you’re invited. If he wants you to come, he’ll ask, but give him the freedom to do his own thing even if you enjoy it, too. Another conflict of interest is forging the truth. Appealing to a man’s love for sports is among the best untapped resources, but don’t force a connection.
Trey, a twenty-six year old golf instructor from Athens, says that there is nothing worse than a woman pretending to share similar interests. “I don’t want my first impression of a girl to be something that was in fact misleading. I would much rather her be herself so I can have a true gauge of her personality.” Noted. Sure, you can watch “SportsCenter” enough to convince a guy that baseball is your favorite pastime, but do you really want to be bored out of your mind when he takes you on a date to Turner Field? Like any aspect of dating, honesty is the best policy.
Many women are not fond of sports, but some women tolerate them for their partner’s sakes. If this is you, there are ways to make the best of it. The next time you go to a sporting event or watch one at home, try to gain an understanding of the game. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy spectator sports once you actually know what’s going on. And, even if your opinion is unchanged, the simple fact that you’re making an effort to learn will make your man happy, and hopefully he will show the same courtesy when it comes to activities you enjoy.
There’s no shame in admitting sports just don’t do it for you. If they’re important to your man, well, it doesn’t hurt to be open-minded and find some feature you can appreciate, even if it’s silently checking out the third baseman’s tight pants. And for those of you who fear a female sports-lover is a turn-off, think again. There’s nothing sexier than a girl in heels shooting a thirty-foot jumper.
Photo: Dantanna's
