This article is written for the woman that may find herself "stuck" watching the Superbowl with her man, with tips totally from a man's point of view for enjoying the game. There are times in relationships when men will put on a happy face, and go with the flow. Events like weddings come to mind.
In most cases, a man will learn that a wedding is woman's day, and the best he can do is smile and wear the clothes picked out for him, agree on the location and the guest list, and everything else associated with planning a wedding. This would include an extreme amount of patience and reservation with objecting to the excessive cost.
If you can understand how a man might support wedding planning, you can understand the importance of the Super Bowl. Whether his favorite team is in the game or not, the Super Bowl is more than an event; it is also the end of a football season. It's a day of happy and sad at the same time.
No doubt, if you are not a fan of football, this is a day of sacrifice for you, and if you can follow a few of these tips, you will help your man enjoy the game much more than he ever expected. Think of them as karma, and what positive charitable energy you invest in your relationship is likely to come back in ways you can imagine right now. Especially with Valentine’s Day right around the corner.
1. Positive Attitude
The game will start in the early evening and last for about four hours. Pre-game shows will start as early as 8:00 a.m., but you don't have to be part of that. For the next four or five hours, you should try to be happy for him, and happier that you are sharing this moment in time with him. You want him to want you to be there and share his day. Don't think about the boring game, think about the fun he's having and how you can make the day better for him.
2. Surprise Him with Some Football Boxes
Most men will have some football boxes, which do a lot to make the game more exciting, especially if they are not your man's favorite team. Just before the game starts, tell him you picked some football boxes, and watch his eye pop out of his head. You can normally find them at work, or a local pub you may frequent. Just ask around in your circle of friends where you can get some.
3. Eat!
The chances are good that there will be a ton of food for the game. Forget about your diet, tofu, vegetables (that aren't fried or stuffed) and participate in the gluttony. You don't have to eat 10,000 calories like he might, but 1,500 to 2,000 will qualify you as "one of the guys." You might even consider eating one of those super-hot wings, which can automatically get you in the man-club.
On football days, it is perfectly acceptable and even preferred, to replace a napkin with your arm. Food drippings on your clothes are good style points too.
4. Contribute an Appetizer or Two
Here are two things you can contribute; even you have no idea about how to cook. The first is a shrimp cocktail, which you can get frozen at any supermarket. Don't buy the large size, buy the colossal sized shrimp. Think big monster shrimp for the big game. All you have to do is defrost them under running cold water. If you don't know how to make shrimp cocktail sauce, buy it in a jar and be sure to get some extra horseradish just in case your man likes his hotter.
The second appetizer is a Warm Chili Bean Dip. I promise you, no matter what else is served. This will go before anything else, and it's simple to make.
- Get two packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese and let them soften on the counter for an hour or so.
- Spread the cream cheese into the bottom of a glass or Pyrex baking pan.
- Open two cans of Hormel Beef Chili with Beans and pour it on top of your cream cheese.
- Cover the chili with a bag of shredded cheddar cheese
- Microwave, uncovered, for four minutes or until the cream cheese is warm.
5. Buy and Wear a Football Jersey
As a former football player, it was a tradition to give your girl one of your football jerseys. To a former player, and most men who watch football have played it somewhere. It can be extremely sexy because a man can't help but imagine you wearing nothing underneath.
But here's the key:
Buy one that is super large and covers your body down to your knees. You can tuck it in for the game, but with Valentine's Day around the corner, you'll sure to get future value for your dollar. Buy a jersey from your man's favorite team, but one on sale works too. Just don't buy a team he hates, which will usually be a team in the same division as his favorite. NFL.com not only has jerseys but a whole section of football clothes for women.
6. Be the Bartender
Refill drinks as often as needed. The best way to do this is before the drink is empty. The perfect time to ask if you want another beverage is when there is one giant swallow left. He is likely to say "Yes," and gulp it down. You can drink earlier in the day, but if you are traveling, you should be prepared to be the designated driver.
7. Watch the Game
You don't want to be in the room reading, playing with your phone, or anything that transmits the signal that you are not interested in the game. Think of it like you are swimming underwater. When you come up for air, there will be tons of funny and entertaining commercials. These are not like regular commercials. They are like mini-movies created just for this game. You survive 5 minutes of watching football with 4 minutes of entertaining commercials. Keep your eyes on the TV, and ask an occasional question about what happened.
8. Tidy Up at Halftime
The NFL tries to promote its halftime show with popular music bands. Halftime for the Super Bowl is longer than it is for a regular game. It's a great time to tidy up the game center, and maybe the kitchen, take out the garbage, etc. It shouldn’t take too long, and it prevents a huge cleanup job after the game is over, which no one wants to do.
9. Go for an Occasional Cuddle
If all is going well, especially if you're wearing your silky football jersey, you might have an opportunity to cuddle up with your man on the couch. Go for it, but don't wear out your welcome. Remember, it's all about the game, but a little skin contact around the third quarter couldn't hurt. The single most overlooked Super Bowl food item is a dessert. Rarely does it make an appearance.
Men don't think about it. He will probably be stuffed, but dessert provides a sweet balance to all the delicious fat and salt that has been consumed. You don't need a lot, and anything with fruit probably doesn't count. A Mississippi Mud Pie would, and maybe a Carvel ice cream cake shaped like a football, with plenty of those crunchy chocolate things. If fact, picking up some extra chocolate chrunchies would be a good idea too. If coffee is enjoyed, maybe a run out to Starbucks would be a good idea too.
I hope this article gave you a new appreciation of enjoying the Super Bowl, and more importantly, your relationship. I welcome any comments or suggestions I may have missed.
Happy Super Bowl!
Corey Andalus is a freelance copywriter at Article Composers
