Growing up, my family has always been big into sports. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or anything else, my family always had a game playing on TV. And being from Cleveland, I also come from a city that's DEDICATED to its football team.
Now, that has translated into me becoming someone who loves sports, especially football, and as a female, I can definitely say that my experience being a fan has been different from any guy's.
Here's a list of things that you'll only relate to if you're a female football fan.
1. Having to watch the game with all guys, and definitely knowing a lot more than all of them about what's going on.
It's always funny when I predict what's going to happen and everyone else watching seems so impressed.
2. Except, they don't think you know more than them, so they constantly say things like, "Oh, you watch football? Well, name three players from (insert team name)."
First of all, I know who plays on my team, and second of all, even if I didn't, that wouldn't mean that I don't want them to win or that I don't like watching them play.
3. Even more frustrating, though, is when THEY try to explain to YOU what just happened.
Look man, I promise I know what a 2-point conversion is, you don't have to explain it to me.
4. Or when they assume that you only like a player because he's attractive.
OK, honestly, he isn't even that attractive. Believe it or not, I actually like him because he's a good player.
5. Or that you're only pretending to like football to impress guys.
That's funny, bud.
6. Or, on the other hand, you may end up watching a game with people who definitely DO NOT watch football, so you constantly have to explain what happened and why everyone's cheering.
It will make you feel extremely knowledgeable though, and it's always cool to teach someone about something you love.
7. And actually getting angry when others who don't watch sports only like a player because he's attractive.
Usually, all I can think is, "You're kidding me…you know he plays on our rival team, right?"
8. Always having to remind your friends who don't like sports, "Sorry, but whatever we end up doing, we have to be done in time for me to watch the game."
Yes, I will plan things around my favorite team's game times.
9. And then your friends who don't like watching sports always wonder why you're so upset after your team loses.
OK, OK, I know it's just a game, but it's a game that we SHOULD have won.
If you're a girl who loves football, too, I understand how frustrating it can be when people question your knowledge or motives. But all in all, I'll always love being a part of my team's fanbase, even if I might get questioned a little more for being a part of it.