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11 tips for when your spouse is obsessed with watching the big game
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Is your spouse really into watching the baseball playoffs right now? Try out some of these different methods to offer them support. - photo by Herb Scribner
Its that time for sports to dominate the American television landscape again.

The NFLs season is in full swing. The NBA and NHL are gearing up. Major League Soccer is heading towards its playoff stretch, too. Bowl season for NCAA football isnt too far off either.

So, quite frankly, there are a lot of sports going on now. Americans are supporting their sports teams. But are there spouses supporting their loved ones in supporting a team? After all, a supportive spouse creates a happier marriage. According to Psychology Today, a spouse who supports the one they love by showing interest in their spouse's hobbies and interests can actually build a better marriage.

But getting that kind of support falls on both spouses. Psychology Today reported that when people want to get support from their spouses, they need to ask for it.

No matter what the situation, dialog is key, Psychology Today reported. Couples will be happier if they learn how to say, This is how I'm feeling, and this is how you can help me.

With so many people tuned into athletic competitions, its very possible your spouse may be caught watching a lot of nail-biting sports events this fall. So what should you do when they want to watch the big game? Here are 11 tips to help the non-sports fan support their spouse in watching sports.

You can host a watch party.

Tell your spouse you want to host a watch party, where you can both invite friends to make it more of a social gathering.

Watch the game with your spouse and ask question periodically through the game.

You may not have interest in the sport, but this shows youre supporting them with their interests.

Make watching the game a memorable experience.

Instead of just sitting on the couch and watching the ball be thrown, decorate the room with some streamers and plan out different snacks for you and your spouse to have during the game.

Make a compromise with your spouse.

If theyre going to watch the game, they have to watch something with you at halftime. Or if theyre going to watch the entire game, you could always say they have to watch something with you at another time.

Do you research beforehand and find interest in the game before it hits the screen.

Your spouse may appreciate that extra effort in you knowing whats going to happen on the field.

Watch the kids or tend to the family.

Maybe your spouse wants to watch the game on his or her own in solitude. By caring for the kids, youre giving them the piece of mind theyre looking for.

Buy tickets to the game and make it a date.

When your spouse starts talking about the big game coming up, one thing you could do is buy tickets to the event and make it a nice date night.

Show interest in another way

Your spouse knows you have no interest in watching sports, so they probably expect you to do your own thing. But if you buy them a jersey of their favorite team, or print out the stats and necessary information for the game beforehand, youre showing you have interest for them without actually watching the game.

Make fun of the sports together.

Theres comedy in all sports, and this could be a way for you and your spouse to bond over the game without watching it. Talk about the most disastrous first pitches from throughout history, or some other silly events that have happened in the past.

Ask questions from a distance.

You could ask questions during the game, but even if youre really uninterested in sports, you can still feign interest by questioning the score and going-ons from afar. Every so often ask what the score is, whos doing well and what team will likely win.

If you dont want to watch, at least be honest

Just because your spouse is watching the big game, doesnt mean you have to be involved. Sure, support is beneficial for marriages. But as About Relationships pointed out, being supportive is also about being honest and realistic. So if you dont want to watch the game, youre fine not to. Just make sure your spouse understands and youre clear about it.
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