Since the moment the World Cup kicked off on June 9, millions of women across
the world have been forced to share their husbands and boyfriends a seductive
rival: the all-consuming love of football.
It can be a testing time when a woman is forced to share her other half with
a game of two halves, but relationships do survive the World Cup. All it takes
is skilful tactics and fair play.
Here are eight ways for women to take men on at their own game, and make sure
they are not sidelined for the duration of the month-long tournament:
1. Join them: one way to make sure you do not feel left out is to become a
supporter yourself. If you know nothing about football, Soccer "Tips for
Dummies" by Michael Lewis may help you get the hang of the off-side rule or try
"The Thinking Fan's Guide to the World Cup" for some insight on what makes your
man tick.
Alternatively, get your partner to talk you through it and explain the rules.
2. Play away: not infidelity but finding something else, rather than someone
else, to fill that void in your life. A survey in the United Kingdom found that
30 per cent of World Cup widows would rather go shopping than watch a match
while another 30 per cent said they would prefer a meal with friends.
If you are in a part of the world like Asia where games are on after shops
close for the night, you could try going to the bed early with a good book and
earplugs, have a late night out with like-minded friends or retreat to your own
space with the DVDs you would never watch together.
3. Play fair: fair play is all part of "the beautiful game," which means your
partner should know to play by the rules and be prepared to give something back
to you for being so understanding.
Organize some quality time to together and with the family or go for a
trade-off: tell him you will keep out of the way if he promises something in
return. Perhaps letting you do something on your own or a weekend away together
when the tournament is over.
4. Stand by your fan: even if you don't watch you can cash in on the emotions
the game produces to build a closer relationship. If your partner's side loses,
be the shoulder to cry on and when they win, share the joy and celebrate with
him. The Durex company has even produced a range of World Cup condoms in three
varieties (England, Germany and Brazil) which seem tailor-made for such an
occasion.
Relationship counsellor Sharon Glick says what you should not do is ignore
your partner's misery if his team loses or tell him not to be so silly. "That's
like pouring gasoline on fire," said Glick. "Why upset them more?"
5. Enjoy the spectacle from the sidelines: Even if you find football really
is a bore, you can still enjoy the festival fever, gossip and human tales of
tragedy and triumph which go hand in hand with a big tournament.
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