Dating. A word that involves time and commitment which a lot of us find hard to give, especially in college. But what about those who are already "dating" something? Those who already commit so much of their time to something? Those we refer to as athletes. I mean think about it... they eat, sleep, and breathe the sport they play. If that isn't commitment I don't know what is. So, what's it like dating someone who's already in a relationship with something else?
1. Time? What is that?
School then sports is priority to most athletes. So that doesn't leave much time for anything else once you add in all the other extra curriculums they might be involved in. Once season starts her life revolves around games and practices. Not only do they have that but most sports require team/individually workouts that can start as early as 5 in the morning, and aren't included during practice time.
Then in between all that must keep a certain GPA just to play. There's little time for sleep much less a whole other person she has to be considerate of. So don't get mad if she can't hang out all the time. Unfortunately, you can't just call her up a couple of hours before and ask if she wants to do something. And if you do be prepared for her to possibly say she can't.
Though most girls love spontaneity sometimes it's best with athletes to plan a little ahead. If you want to slightly be spontaneous, get her schedule for the next week and try to work around that. Maybe surprise her with a milkshake at the end of her game as she walks off the court to see you. Because even though she's an athlete she's not gonna turn down your milkshake!
It's hard to find time to hang out so you have to be thankful and take advantage of the time you get with her, even if its just 30 minutes in between her next class. If her time is already stretched so thin and she's giving you a part of it, you must be of some importance to her.
2. Support what she does.
Speaking of never getting to see her, want to see her? Go to her games. You may not exactly be spending time with her but she'll appreciate you making the effort to stop by and watch her play. And on the off chance she has no homework or team bonding after her game, that can be your time to hang out with her for the rest of the night.
Some of the girls I spoke to mentioned that it was really important to them for their partner to support them in their sport. That showing up to a game meant more to them than they felt their partner realized. Also, they want you to support them even when things may get difficult because you may not get to see them as much as you'd like; do not blame the sport that they love or make them feel bad for doing it. Supporting her can mean listening to her, too.
Not all games or practices are going to be good and she's going to want a second to scream about it after. Just listen to her. I promise she'll be done in ten minutes.
3. You're not funny.
Do not, I repeat do not make fun of their sport. Even if you're kidding. It's offensive and you will become unattractive very fast. Do not tell a female athlete you can do her sport better than her, there's an off chance that you will quickly get embarrassed (Woohoo for girl power! Literally). Appreciate her shape. She is probably a lot more muscular than the average female and she doesn't need you pointing it out. Her thighs may be bigger than others but she has a heart full of gold. Oh and don't be weird-ed out if she wears the same kind of deodorant as you. That's actually more common than you would think. Mens deodorant is way stronger and works a whole lot better when you're sweating bullets during practice.
She may not be able to give you all her time but she'll be your number one fan if you're hers. She's an athlete, she's strong, she's beautiful, and she's worth it.
