Dating an athlete can feel like a chore, or like a foreign language, or both. Sometimes it's hard to adjust to the sport, and sometimes it's hard to understand it. Wrestling is a different sport, and can be a little confusing - especially for girls. It's an individual sport, but it's also a team sport. There's points, pins, and tumbling.
Although, the guy/girl you're dating is not the sport he/she plays, the sport does have a lot to do with the relationship. Sometimes you really don't know what you're signing up for when you're trying to be a supportive girlfriend or boyfriend. If you're interested in dating a wrestler or already dating one, then you're in for a rollercoaster ride. Here are the 10 things you should know about dating a wrestler:
1. Singlets
I'm going to put this out there first. Singlets are tight, and awkward. Also, there are several boys (or girls) wearing them in one building. You're not going to know who to stare at, or which part of them to stare at. As us girls say, "My eyes are up here." That's where you should keep your eyes. Don't forget to keep your eyes on the prize either (your significant other).
2. Weird Skin Diseases
Have you ever heard of ring worm? Wrestlers have, and it's gross. Sweaty humans rolling around with each other on mats screams bacteria, and bacteria screams "Weird skin diseases!" So get prepared for those, and get some antibiotics prepared as well.
3. Loud Parents
Don't get me wrong here, parents are our backbones. They are the number one support for your honey, but sometimes they are loud. My advice to you about loud parents is to let them go. Don't complain, and if you're comfortable enough then start cheering with them. Some wrestling matches get really intense, and you'll want to scream too. An easier alternative: get earplugs.
4. Eight Hour Tournaments
Have you ever sat on an uncomfortable bleacher from the early morning until 6:00 PM? No? Well, then get ready to. Not all wrestlers' partners go to tournaments, but if you do I promise you that you're in for a treat. It's crowded, hot, and the food is subpar.
5. Smelly Gyms
Remember when I said that sweaty humans roll around with each other on mats? Sweaty people smell bad. The first time might hit you hard, but you'll get used to it. You might even get one of those "manly" scented Bath & Body Works candles confused with it.
6. "Hanger" is Real
If you think you're moody when you're hungry, wait until you see a wrestler who's been cutting weight for the past week that just finished his/her match. I couldn't tell you why Snickers hasn't put a wrestler in one of their "you're not you when you're hungry" commercials yet, but I can tell you that "hanger" is real.
7. Injuries
Unfortunately, wrestling has a huge risk with injuries. Two strong people are physically twisting each other, and the only parts of them protected are their ears. An injury is bound to happen during wrestling season, and it's one of the most nerve-wracking parts of watching a match. Injuries are like viruses, they get everyone.
8. "That was a pin!"
You're going to hear that phrase a lot, you might even catch yourself saying it. The referee doesn't see both shoulders down, but everyone else does. Usually the referee has better judgment, but sometimes you really wonder "How the hell was that not a pin?"
9. Anxiety
As I said before, some matches get really intense. You'll be on the edge of your seat, heart racing, and ready to jump up when the referee hits three. All of your significant others' matches are going to make you nervous for him or her, even though you have the utmost faith in their skill. You never want to see your significant other lose.
10. Winning
Like I said, you never want to see your significant other lose. Winning makes all the not-so-fun parts worth it. Seeing your honeys' hand raised by the referee is so relieving and so rewarding. Every time they win, you win too.
Wrestling has its pros and its cons, but wrestlers have great integrity. Remembering all the hard work your wrestler puts in, and then seeing them come out on top is one of the best feelings. So when you read this list, remember what you go through all of it for. Although, it's not always fun going to wrestling meets and tournaments, it's always worth dating a wrestler.
