So you want to woo a female sports fan? Good for you! Let me be clear about a couple of things.. I'm not referring to the Daphnes that want to trot around in their Victoria's Secret NFL gear and claim to be a true fan of their team but can't tell you a single member of the roster besides the big names. These "fans" aren't hard to flatter, nor are they hard to secure in most cases. I'm referring to women like myself. Hard core female sports fans are a much more rare breed than most and are a challenge on a lot of levels for a lot of men to not only woo but also to keep. So let's explore a little about them before we move on.
True FSF (female sports fans) are relatively easy to spot in certain conditions. At the Superbowl parties, you're gonna mostly find them sitting with them men...and they're the ones that are engrossed in the game, not the ads. They're the ones that are talking smack on commercials but not saying a word besides yelling at the screen when the game is on. They are not chatting over the latest fashions and they don't say the words "Oh that's so cute, where did you get it?" over a face tattoo. Not Superbowl time? You can still find their rare breed. You can find us in a sports bar. While everyone else is talking, you'll find these women completely engrossed in and distracted by the TVs with sporting events on. You'll frequently hear "Huh?" come from their table as the other patron tries to have conversation with a woman who is so clearly sucked into a hockey game that it's almost ridiculous. You can spot them starting a conversation about your team and listening as they tell you exactly why your team sucks, how your team sucks and the stats with WHICH your team sucks. They are avid ESPN watchers/readers and can sing the theme from Sports Center better than the theme from "Grey's Anatomy" (which I'm not even sure of having a theme song being as I have never watched an episode). True Hard-Core FSF's like myself have respect for the sport and, once their team is out, they'll root for the team that is the most deserving....gritting their teeth the whole way but understanding that the game demands a certain level of respect. THESE are the sports fans you're trying to get....still interested? Let's move on....
The Approach This one is not as complicated as you may think. Most true hardcore FSF's are easy enough to strike up conversation with..."Can you believe that call!?! Penalty my ass!" What I will say is that you need to be prepared. If you have observed the "creature" in its natural habitat, you've seen exactly how powerful it truly is. It is NOT wise for you to start into this lightly because she's likely to come back in a way that seems almost too masculine for most. I have a tendency to launch into full on commentator mode and that can be very intimidating for some. If you cannot handle the FSF's full being, you shouldn't ever approach them to begin with.
The Date Congratulations, you've secured her. Now comes the hard part. While a sporting event is ALWAYS a winner, you need to be prepared because she's likely to be loud and obnoxious. She won't scream at other fans, necessarily, but she will likely scream at player, refs and so on. She will be the one making you do "the wave" or sing whatever random song your stadium plays. You need to be prepared to be "all in" at these events or, at the very least, to watch her. You need to be prepared that there may not be much conversation that takes place to get to know her during the game. It's probably gonna be wise to make sure you have a meal planned before or after. Also, be prepared...most FSF's enjoy a beer or two. We are not martini drinkers and we're not into the fruity drinks....give us a cold Coors Light and we're happy.
It doesn't have to be a live sporting event. Sports bars or other venues as such are also great. Again, be prepared for them to yell at the screen, quote random stats, Be prepared for them to not show much interest in conversation until there's a commercial. This is the price you pay for engaging a FSF in a sporting event.
Perhaps something a little different is in order. Not all FSF's are the same on this one. Most of us enjoy adventure, outdoorsy things, and experiencing life as opposed to just sitting at home. Me personally? I could take a walk around 16th Street Mall and some Mellow Mushroom pizza and beer any day of the week. I could take a hike or a walk through a museum. The point is that you can entertain a FSF however as long as you're prepared for random off-topic sports conversation if the topic comes up. We're on 24/7 and it's an unfortunate side effect....which is not always fun or acceptable.
The Best Things You Can Do for Her The very best things you can do for a FSF is to let her be herself. Let her truly enjoy what she loves and encourage it. If you're not ready for that, don't even pursue her to begin with. Fix her some fried food and let her watch football during football season. Take her out on a date to watch a game. Buy her a jersey just because. Treat her life a queen because as masculine as their interest is, their heart is still a woman.
The Worst Things to Do Don't even bother trying to get with her if you can't handle her. She's bound to be strong-willed and opinionated. If you can't handle it, don't even bother trying to get her. Do NOT act embarrassed by her because FSF's have a tendency to be strong and independent and she WILL kick you to the curb. Do NOT ignore her because she's got other interests and you'll soon become a thing of the past.
In short, it's a rare man that can handle a hard-core FSF and, for most, it's better to not approach them head on if you can't handle it. If you CAN handle it, remember that she's still a woman underneath that tough exterior and once you get her, continue to woo her and you'll never lose her :)
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