By Martini Amour

There are things in life that don’t mesh well. Pickles and peanut butter, liquor and beer, and Red Sox and Yankee fans. Trust me, being a New Englander in New York is not always the easiest lifestyle, but I deal with it. Why am I mentioning this you ask? Because the moment the movie Fever Pitch came out, people around the nation started analyzing how important sports are. And not only the role they take in our lives, but in our relationships. “I would have to say the Red Sox, then sex and then breathing.” Now, while most people are not as neurotic with their sports as Jimmy Fallon is in the film, we all have our moments. Men have systematically forgotten about their girlfriends every Sunday during the fall and winter, and during every playoff season throughout the year. But no matter how much you adore your teams, there are certain things that should never take place in relationships. This week, Martini Amour presents the commandments of the dos and don’ts with Sports and Love.

Commandment 1 – Do go on dates to sporting events: Sporting events are fabulous. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it. Sporting events are some of the craziest atmospheres around, and they make for amazing date spots. Even if the person you are with has no clue about the playing field, or loathes the team you love, there is something to enjoy about the atmosphere of the rink or the stadium that cannot be found anywhere else. The sun beating down on you at a baseball game, the perfect “Oh you want my jacket?” whether at an ice rink, and the way a girl looks in a jersey are perfect examples of why sporting events are ideal dating venues. They are great ways to bond, there are always crazy people to make fun of, and there is no time for awkward pauses and silences because there is always something to pay attention to or be excited by.

Commandment 2- Don’t ignore your loved one on game day: Ok, so we understand that games are important, and beer and wings are vital to health on game days, however, it is not excusable for your loved one to be expected to be clearly ignored because “the game is on.” Men and women fans alike are notorious for doing this. And while you’re significant other should understand that the game is on and not to call, that does not mean that you should refuse to call them because you’re watching the news, the late news, and Sports Center to see clutch plays from the game you spent all day watching. Sports should be important to you, but just take 5 seconds to remind you’re other that they’re important too.

Commandment 3 – Do buy sports paraphernalia for gifts: If you know that you’re loved one has an obsession or two when it comes to sports, use that to your advantage. I once knew a boy who bought his girlfriend hats for his favorite teams and he always commented how cute she looked in them. And, that is the most simplistic form of sports giving. Tickets to games, autographs, jerseys, anything that represents that you appreciate and understand their passion makes for a great gift idea. And ladies, if you give your man tickets to some life-changing important game, offer for him to go with his friends, he’ll appreciate it and you, I promise.

Commandment 4 – Don’t try and force your mate to switch team affiliations:

‘If you loved me, you’d become a Yankees fan.” Haha, yea right. Opposites attract. Men and women are often equally passionate about their sports teams, so respect each other’s differences and passion for the sport. And, in addition to that, if you’re dating someone who doesn’t know what a two-point conversion is, don’t buy them season tickets and have them brag to their friends about how big of a Jets fan they are. Because this is just manipulation, and they’ll look like a complete tool in the process.

Commandment 5 – Do at least learn the basics about your loved one’s sports interests: Like I mentioned earlier, just because your boyfriend or girlfriend has a liking to a sports team, that does not mean that you have to act like a poser or bandwagon fan just to please them. However, especially if you’re clueless about the sport, it is common courtesy to ask about the sport and at least know enough to have a conversation about it with them from time to time. This is applicable in any situation really; if you’re dating a music major, at least know who Miles Davis is. If you’re lover cares about something, then you should care enough to want to know about it. And learning new information never hurt anyone, now did it? And this way, they can at least share a little part about their sports love with you.

Commandment 6 – Don’t fight constantly or break – up over rival teams: This is just annoying and obnoxious. So I love the Red Sox, and you love the Yankees. I do not want to wake up every morning being taunted or mocked about who’s one game up or who’s batting averages are better. Just like everything else, talking about things should be in doses, and not a constant. This will taint and end the relationship very quickly. Sports do not make a life, and neither does your boyfriend or girlfriend. Happy relationships consist of a well-rounded blend of topics and likes and dislikes. Remember that, and in no situation should you permanently dwell on anything, sports included. Use it to enhance conversations and share an interest and go to a game, but don’t use it as the basis of you’re relationship, or life.