When I first starting going out with the drummer of The Indigos, a local band, I honestly had no idea about the reality I was about to face. It sounded like such a fantasy at first. It's so exciting to date a guy that gets to travel and perform! I thought that there would be after-parties, expensive alcohol, and loud music. Oh my, the fantasy was beyond misconstrued. Yoko Ono and Sharon Osbourne: this one is for you ladies.
1. You might have to help carry equipment.
I was pretty shocked the first time I found myself lugging heavy music equipment back to the van. Sometimes you just had to suck it up, though. If it's 3 a.m. on a Friday and there is a show tomorrow, you bet you're going to help load up!
2. He will be sweaty after shows.
What do you expect from a drummer that just hit things for the past two hours under the stage lights while a fog machine filled the area? Yes, his shirt will be soaking wet. Yes, his hair will be drenched. Yes, he will have an odd smell. This is all completely normal, so get used to it.
3. There will always be enough laundry.
Sweaty clothes develop some sort of aura after a few days. It's almost as if the very fibers of the garment are begging and pleading to be washed. If this begins to happen, just do your guy (and yourself) a favor and throw them into the wash.
4. Other girls will look at him.
And that's okay. Take a deep breath when this happens. Not all girls are out to sabotage relationships. Unfortunately there is no way to put a sign on your man to claim him. That is just wrong. If another girl has stared too long, just remind yourself that in a few hours you will be leaving anyway.
5. You might get frustrated with other females and attempt to initiate a bar fight.
So, your gut feeling was right. The girl was staring too long and you had to confront her. Oh, she threw her beer at you? This is when you need to decide whether you really want to spend a night in the county jail.
6. Best friends are great for support.
My two best girls almost always come out to support the band with me. We spend like two hours getting dressed up before we go out. Sometimes it's nice to have friend at the venue, especially since your man will be busy most the night. Other girls are also important for back up in cat fights (just kidding!).
7. Car rides will be long.
They will be long and boring but hopefully you'll have your guy by your side. Unless his driving is crazy and he's had a little too much coffee. Not that this has ever caused a problem in my relationship...
8. The guys in the band will become your buddies whether you like it or not.
When you are around the band all the time, they become your family. You will develop inside jokes with them and bring them their favorite food. It becomes your duty to protect them from groupies and so on.
9. You don't have to go to every single show.
With work and school, it is hard to attend every single show. Especially if you are underage and can't get into all the bars. It's okay to miss a few shows, it just adds to the idea that "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Or was it absinthe? Oh well, either way he will totally understand if you can't make it to the multiple shows he plays.
10. You will become a professional at networking.
Any chance you get, your social media account will be filled up with pictures and videos of the band. Struggling to find WiFi in the bar becomes a weekend ritual as you attempt to go live on Facebook. Your friends might get annoyed with all the posts, but they have to remember that they are friends with the girlfriend of a rock star!
11. He's a rock star.
He's a rock star on stage, so keep his ego in check. Being with someone that plays bars every weekend can be stressful but at the end of the day life is too short to get upset. Enjoy the time and experience with him before he is too famous. Carry the equipment, be patient with him, he's probably stressed out and help from his girlfriend can be an easy fix. Just don't let all the fame go to his head.
