The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IT IS the only season where women are willing to put up with their significant other's "sweet-hearting". And the only reason this love affair wins a pass is because it's not with an actual person, but with a sport.

The National Football League (NFL) got into full swing earlier this month and many Bahamian men have had their eyes glued to the television ever since. Some of them are dedicated viewers who manage their time and relationships ensuring that on the most important NFL nights -Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays - it is just them and their beloved game.

Then there are some who can't quite manage to balance their relationship and their NFL love affair. It is always either/or and never both.

According to these men, their women are to blame when tempers fray and voices are raised because they don't follow the unspoken rules that exist in this love triangle.

"Some just don't understand how serious this game is for us. I do not like to be bothered about anything, nothing when the game is on and my lady just don't get it," said Dion Pinder.

He was just one of several football fanatics who spoke with Tribune Woman about their biggest quirks during game time.

"I mean this affair is short. Football season ends in February, she will have my undivided attention once the season is over," he said.

For this NFL season to go by as smoothly and peaceful as possible men are asking their ladies to be extra understanding, play by the rules and remember game etiquette.

They are as follows:

Keep distractions to a minimum

Distraction is always bad when anyone is trying to focus on any given thing. But imagine it is the final minutes of the game with one touchdown left to break a tie and right as the final play is about to go down and the woman walks over and accidentally pulls the TV plug out of the socket.

"I nearly lost my mind," Rashad Johnson said. "I never flip out on my girlfriend before, but in that moment I did. I didn't speak to her for the entire night".

Rashad's girlfriend tried to make amends afterwards, but he was resistant.

"She knew what she did. I couldn't even excuse her because all night there was non-stop distractions," he said.

No Probing Questions

In an attempt to bond with their guy, some women grab a cold beer and settle themselves on the couch too. However, this can immediately turn into a nightmare if too many questions are being asked in their attempt to understand the game.

"This is the first and most important rule, which really goes without saying," Dean Adderly said.

"Whatever team I'm a fan of, so is she. It's OK to ask questions about the game but keep distractions to a minimum. If you're going to watch the game at least pretend to be interested. No questions on 'how long is this game'?"

No chit chat either

In addition to asking too many probing questions, Wynton Moore said pointless chitter chatter is also a big no-no.

"Don't speak to me until there is a commercial break. Reason being is that I need to become one with football from the opening kick off. The same way I can't speak or even fart while Game Of Thrones is on it's the same way as I am with football," he said.

No Kissing or Cuddling

"Kiss…cuddle…You crazy?" Wynton added.

"You got Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to cuddle. Would you like to cuddle while "Scandal" or "Power" is on?" he asked.

It BETTER be an emergency

On NFL nights Jermaine Davis quickly updates his What'sApp status to "do not call" or "busy" because there is no chance he is going to the pick up a phone call when Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are on the field.

"It better be an emergency. As a matter of fact I hope its not an emergency because I would hate to have to leave from in the front of the TV. I know that sounds bad, but that is just how much I love the game, especially when its just me and the TV," he said.