Some Dos and Don’ts for Taking a Date to a Sports Game
Taking a date to a sports game can be a good idea under some circumstances. The action on the court or the field means you have natural conversation points, unlike, say, a movie where you sit in silence for two hours. It also gives you the chance to avoid awkward silences, which can occur over dinner, for example. There are, of course, certain guidelines that you can follow to make sure that your date enjoys themselves, regardless of their feelings on sports. Consider some of these dos and don’ts below:
Do you consider even if it’s a Good Idea
You may think that it’s a great idea to choose a sports game, but it’s best to do a little research first. If they really, really hate sports, then they are not likely to be swept up in the atmosphere as you hoped. The idea can be cute if there’s a chance they will enjoy the game, especially if they have never been before, but it’s very unlikely you’ll change their mind if they simply hate sports.
Don’t Be Patronizing
Let’s assume that your date isn’t a sports fan, then you may have to naturally explain some elements of the action, but no need to overdo it. The basics of sports are quite simple, and your date will know broadly what’s happening in the game even if they have never been to one before. Veering into mansplaining the soccer offside rule or sacrifice flies in baseball can feel tedious.
Do Engage Them About the Game
A great way to approach the action without being patronizing is to ask them for their insights. It’s a natural conversation starter, and it will provide you with more of a shared experience. You can, of course, argue against their insights, but again, don’t be patronizing about it. Indeed, you might be surprised as to what non-sports fans will see.
Don’t Get Too Involved
You may need one more point to win your NBA game lines parlay bet and start losing your mind toward the final buzzer, yet it’s best to keep it cool. Showing passion is fine, but if you’re a fan of the team playing, don’t turn aggressive or angry. Find a balance between displaying your love for your team or sports generally and not going over the top. It’s not attractive.
Do Make Post-Game Plans
Let’s again assume that this is not a sports fan you are bringing to the game. You should hedge your bets by organizing an activity for afterwards. It could be a drink or a meal, or perhaps even a movie, although that’s a long date. Nonetheless, you want to have something that isn’t the game in case they don’t like it.
Don’t Judge Your Date on Their Reaction
Your dream future spouse might be a hardcore Boston Red Sox fan, but don’t get too disheartened if your date does not enjoy the game. Plenty of people have sports-mad partners who do not enjoy sports themselves. If they are into you, too, they will respect your passion without feeling the need to engage with it fully themselves.
Do Let Them Pick Next Time
In all of this, we are basing our hypothesis on bringing a non-sports fan to the game. So, if you have agreed to another date, let them make the choice the next time, even if they told you that they enjoyed it (they might be fibbing to make you feel better). Preferably, nudge them toward something that gets them out of their comfort zone, as that will allow them to learn about you, just as bringing them to the game probably taught you something about them.
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