How to Date an Athlete

Athlete Dating

Whether your boyfriend is a Division I football pro or just thinks he's in the NBA, dating an athlete is really like studying a new breed of man, and though it may seem glamorous at times, you might find his hobby competing with your relationship. While it may be frustrating, it doesn't always have to be a game of You vs. The Team. Although we may never fully grasp their competitive nature and relationship with their teammates, there are some strategies for making your relationship work while still being his biggest fan. 

Understand the nature of the game 
Realize first that every team has its groupies. Second, trust that your guy will recognize and dismiss these girls as such. The simple fact that he's an athlete will have girls throwing themselves at him and his teammates just for being jocks. Without confidence in your relationship, thinking about this can (and will) drive you crazy, especially if he travels. Don't panic. Athletes are used to having girls all over them; if he's chosen to be in a committed relationship with you, chances are he wants nothing to do with them. 

Use his personality to your advantage 
Do competitive things together! Any couples' activity can be turned into a game: see which of you two can grocery shop the fastest, go for a run, or even wager a few bucks on game night. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone; just make sure it stays light-hearted and fun. 

Invite the team over 
Have them over to watch a game or have a post-game dinner party at your place. Even suggesting that you all go out for a drink will impress your man. Seeing that you can mingle with his friends will make him realize that his two worlds don't have to be separated. Invite some of your friends, too, to create more friends in common! 

Athlete Dating

Cheer him on 
Chances are, his passion for sports has been in his life longer than you have. So if you make him choose one over the other, his team might come in first place. Understanding this will help you understand why he can't suddenly skip practice for a dinner date or even for that great show you scored tickets to. Instead, plan dates when he's free or show up to a game and grab dinner afterwards. Also, learn some of his sport's lingo so that you can respond when he's talking about yesterday's practice or next week's game. 

Set some game rules 
While his team may be dear to him, your guy should know that it's not the only thing that matters. Communication is key in this step. Let him know some of your (realistic) expectations for sharing time with his hobby. Setting some rules ahead of time can develop a balance between his athletic and personal life. From something as little as no "team talk" after practice to scheduling date nights around games or to local sporting events, make sure you both understand what each other wants. 

Stay away from team gossip 
Steer clear of drama and putting in too much of your own opinion when it comes to teammates. Staying drama free may mean not sitting and gossiping with other players' girlfriends during games or biting your tongue when you hear rumors. If you cross the line and put too much of yourself in his sports world, he may lose the ability to differentiate the two. 

Dating a jock can sometimes feel like more work than reward, but if he's willing to compromise with your needs to make the relationship satisfying for you both, it should be worth it!

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