Yes, I'm a girl, and yes, I'm into sports. Now I know what you're probably thinking, "No way she actually understands the game." Try me. Being a female sports fan is pretty intimidating at times, but it's also pretty awesome. Most guys may think us girls don't know how to "talk" sports; other times, I'm OK with being thrown into the bro category. Don't get me wrong, being a girly girl at times is pretty freakin' awesome, but so is putting your feet up on Sunday afternoons to watch your favorite team.

The Super Bowl will be here before we know it, a euphoric time for NFL fans across the nation. I feel the need to bring forth the struggles that us female sports fans face during times of intensity and testosterone (football playoffs specifically). Now's the time for "the look." The confused, puzzled and shocked appearance on one's face when I say how excited I actually am for the upcoming game. This look is only the beginning of the list of struggles we gals face by loving the game.

1. People think it's to impress a guy.

Trust me, if liking sports was all it took, I know a lot of cool chicks who would not be single right now. Believe me, studies show that a male sports fan can actually be intimidated by his female counterpart. Now would I really be wearing my never-washed, lucky Tom Brady jersey and big sweatpants if I were trying to impress someone? Please excuse me while I chow down on some buffalo wings in a room full of dudes while screaming at my television.

2. It's not always about the attractive athletes.

Sure, male athletes are attractive, and drooling over Julian Edelman and J.J. Watt on the regular still happens, but that's not all we care about. We actually care about how they're playing during the game. I'm watching Patrice Bergeron and his perfectly groomed facial hair because I care about his performance and I like to see what he can do for his team. These athletes are attractive to most girls because they're good, but to me, talent comes first, then the looks.

3. Yes, we care about Draft Day too.

The NFL's Draft Day is Christmas to all football fans, including the female ones. Draft Day is the beautiful time during the off-season (aka hell) where you get a taste of football and you can either praise or scrutinize your team's general manager for their draft picks. In fact, it is better than Christmas. So don’t talk with your buddies and act like I’m not just as interested as you.

4. You think I'm a bandwagon fan.

This might possibly be the most annoying struggle of them all. Just because I'm thoroughly more excited about my boys making it to the playoffs doesn't mean I haven't been rooting for them all year or all season long. I'm a New England girl so the Pats, Bruins and the Sox are always on my mind.

5. Folks assume you have no idea what's happening, so they try and explain it to you in a kindergarten-like manner.

Are you kidding? I'm here, I'm dedicated, now shut up and let me watch the game.

6. We're judged for celebrating in an 'unladylike' way.

Everyone has their own way of celebrating a victory. If I'm one of a few girls attending this sporting event or watching this game, I'm going to celebrate however the hell I want for my team. Besides, what's the fun of getting into a game if you can't celebrate?

7. We are forced to pick from an awful selection of pink rhinestoned team apparel.

For some reason, the sports apparel industry thinks this is okay. Please share to spread awareness of this tragedy that is sweeping the nation. We would like to actually wear our team colors for once.

8. You don't have anyone to celebrate with when your team does something good.

Your fellow roommates simply don't understand your passion and it's pretty sad. You try to get them as excited as you get but to no avail.

In the end, sports are nothing short of universal. Being a female sports fan has its ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. As I prepare for the Super Bowl and the upcoming MLB season, I hope these struggles diminish, and I hope I've enlightened you with the thoughts of the sports gal.