Quit Being An Obnoxious Sports Fan
If you’ve ever had someone in your life tell you they detest game day- not because they don’t like baseball, but because they don’t like the way you react to the players every move when you watch the game on television- you might be an obnoxious sports fan.
If you’ve ever had guests leave the room while you’ve got a Bowl Game on the big screen television- citing “inappropriate language” as the primary reason they moved- you might very well be an obnoxious sports fan.
But fear not, avid watcher of competitive events! I’ve been there, and I have a few tips that can help you enjoy the game while still being in the company of friends!
Mute It.
People have told me that the loudest they’ve ever heard me talk (yell) are the times that I’m angrily screaming and explaining to the ‘Noles how they should be playing the game. It occurred to me that, even though I’m angry about the players’ poor performance (because certainly, I could do better), I’m YELLING because I want to be heard over the volume of the television. At a live game, it’s not such a big deal. You’re outside, lots of people are yelling and the sound isn’t contained to a living room. I’ve found that lowering the volume of the game encourages me to also lower my voice. Though still angry, I am able to speak with my indoor voice to the players (who are no doubt listening to me through the TV monitor). This tends to attract less negative attention from those around me!
Bite it.
Your tongue, that is. Most athletes have potty mouths, but that doesn’t mean you need to have one too. Sure, it might, make you feel better to tell Carmelo Anthony to shoot the bleepin’ ball. But let’s face it, he can’t actually hear you. But the people you’re watching the game with can hear you. Substitute words like, “heck” “flippin” and “gosh darn,” if you must. If you’re going to offend people with colorful language, you’re best to just not talk (yell) at all.
Record It.
Not always the most practical option, especially if you’re talking about the Super Bowl. But if you’re watching a regular season game, and think you’ll be able to find time to watch it alone before someone spoils the score, then record the game. Watch it on your time, holler and scream and curse all you want. Take the time during the live event to hang out with your friends who may not really want to watch a sporting event in the first place.
Whatever you do, make sure you’re not compromising time with friends and family. You won’t be able to change the outcome of the game no matter how loud you are or how astute your plays might be. But your temper could drive away or even alienate real people in your life that matter. It won’t affect any of your favorite players, no matter how much you want it to! Try to sit back, loosen up, and savor the game and you’re much more likely to stop being an obnoxious sports fan!
Special Guest Author:
Ken Marshall is a marketing consultant and former Officer of CPA Site Solutions, one of the nation’s leading edge website companies dedicated entirely to accounting websites.
