The Kickoff of Football Season

It's official football season. When you live with a fan, there are a few life adjustments you learn to make as the season starts. Follow this advice for the win:

1. Root for the teams your partner likes. Even if you don't watch, the game will be in your face as you move from room to room doing house stuff. You may as well enjoy the victory too, or commiserate in the loss. Household harmony is a good thing.
   
   You might have a team you like, but your partner hates. You might have to negotiate a truce or make 'win-win' bets on the outcome if your favorite teams play each other.


2. Don't commit football faux paus. You know the obvious ones. Don't walk between the TV watcher and the TV. Don't start serious conversations when the game is on. How would you like it if they did that during your favorite show? (Even if your show is weekly and football is constantly?)
   
   Be proactive. Grab a schedule and use it. Plan errands/outings during non-game times. Stock up on game-friendly food before game day; the self-serve kind, so you don't have to do anything.


3. Take advantage of game time to do whatever you like without 'pulling aggro.' If their fan-butt is glued to their TV-watchin' chair, it's amazing how much you can get done. In these days of telecommuting and/or both partners employed, a few hours to yourself can be very useful.
   
   Yearning for a long soak? Learning to play an instrument that you haven't mastered? Want to paint or draw without somebody looking over your shoulder? Wanna go buy shoes? Do it. They won't notice.


4. Go out to the local sports bars. A decent sports bar has something on the menu for pretty much everybody. TV screens are viewable from anywhere. Your partner can hear the experts analyze all the games. You can enjoy a meal without cooking and doing dishes. Sometimes I take a book.
   
   Just don't go on a game day! It's a zoo. They are too packed to give good service. You have to keep ordering things, or they'll want your table for someone else. Then you have to drive home during the 4th quarter and could easily miss the end of the game (especially if some pesky policeman arrests you for DUI).

So follow the game plan and enjoy the season. Maybe you'll get a trip to Disneyland when it's over.