Texas Counseling Explores the Effect of the NFL Season on Relationships
Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) October 17, 2013 -- Football season is here. Every year from August to February, football fans are glued to the TV and get involved in fantasy football. Sundays become the focus of the weeks ahead, rejoicing over the match-ups. The world around the fans takes back seat, and tension starts to surface around the upcoming Sundays. The thrills and joys of the Gridiron can often lead to a rift in the relationship with the family, especially with the mate.
During the season, many fans focus on football only and remove themselves from activities with the families. Romance and intimacy may take a back seat. It is common and natural for a partner to crave attention. Partners may feel that there is a competition, and they are battling for time against football. This feeling will ultimately lead to arguments, nagging, or employing the silent treatment.
Becoming aware of the effect football has on our surroundings is an important step. Asking ourselves how often our mates are put in a situation where they feel frustrated by the lack of attention will become beneficial.
The disagreements can be avoided with some help. At Texas Counseling, we suggest some solutions for the football challenge, helping couples cheer for the same team again. These ideas will create a win-win situation, and help both sides minimize resentment.
It is OK to give the team its due respect on game day, or to get busy on your fantasy football roster. However, is this time regulated? At what point is it too much? The first suggestion is to learn to balance the free time, and do something productive together on the proverbial "day of rest."
With football being every Sunday in the fall, spend some Saturdays together doing something the non-sports fan enjoys. Sports fans can make it fun by ordering in their partner’s favorite foods or purchasing their go-to snack, showing them that you are still thinking about them.
Another solution is to use Sunday as a time for both to catch up with friends. Make the game an excuse to invite mutual friends over. Catching up during halftime, enjoying a game day beer and brat, or a little glass of wine or two with girlfriends can transform Sundays to a good time for all. Invite other couples over for the game and make it a social event. Encourage everyone to bring a dish, and have a separate space available for those who need a break from the action.
If you can't beat them, join them. Football may not seem like the ideal Sunday to some, but by showing interest in each other's passions, both parties may learn something new about themselves.
If your mate still does not enjoy watching men in tights running after a little ball, and has given a few good tries, you may decide on a different option. Initiate and encourage a date night and other fun activities on a different day as a family and as a couple. This time will distribute your attention and quality time together, and decrease the tension and resentment. Enjoy time together on those days and create some alone time on Sunday, or go on a special outing with children or friends.
The key is having both parties make a true effort to make Sundays enjoyable for the two of them. Taking turns in planning dates can lead to a closer relationship in getting to know your mate’s interests. Share your time between the team on the television set and the team on the couch. It is time for you and your spouse to enjoy the weekend again!
About Texas Counseling:
Galit Ribakoff M.S., LPC-S, NCC specializes in helping individuals and couples achieve life changes, using creative ways to resolve issues, in a non-judgmental and safe environment. She works with clients to reach their desired changes, improvements, and self growth, attaining their therapy goals. Galit's emphases include individual and couples counseling, sex therapy, and group therapy. Galit offers help with building and maintaining healthy relationships, sexuality, sex and intimacy issues, increasing self confidence, dealing with stress, depression or anxiety, grief and loss, and parenting skills. She has evening appointments available and offers reasonable rates. Visit the Texas Counseling website for more information.
Galit Ribakoff, Texas Counseling, http://www.therapistcounselortexas-counseling.com, 469-499-4597, [email protected]
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