6 Tips For Wives And Girlfriends Who Aren’t Fans Of Football
It's that time of year again when the "Baby what are we doing tonight?" questions are replaced with "Baby the boys are coming over, do you mind cooking a little somethin'?"
Yes, the infamous football season has swept in with the bitter-cold weather.
While you may have thought that cuddling was going to be made a priority this year (because you complained so much last year about how you and him weren't getting enough "we" time), you may be finding that once again the game has taken over your household.
I don't know about you, but my husband is beyond excited for this new football season–both college and professional. “Merry Football" was his greeting to his buddies and friends all throughout the day the weekend when college football officially started. I have quite a few female friends who enjoy football just as much as the guys, but if you're like me, it's not one of your favorite sports.
While I'm excited that my husband is so elated, I don't have the same zeal. I will admit, however, that I enjoy going to the games and watching them live. But other than that, I could do without it.
So, what is a girl to do now that football is back? Just do what I do: embrace it and enjoy some "me" time! Here are a few ideas to help get you through the season (acknowledging that it may not be as easy for those of you who have children, but it's still worth a shot).
Catch up on your favorite shows and movies
They say two is better than one, and the same is true with a television. We have a television in the bedroom and the living room and when the games come on, that's usually my cue to go and watch whatever I want in the other room – whether via Netflix, cable or even online. While he's catching up on football, stats and ESPN, I'm catching up on my shows, even though I have to admit that sometimes he sneaks away from football and comes in the room with me, too. What can I say? We love one another.
Shop 'Til You Drop
Am I the only who enjoys shopping at Target? Sometimes I'll go even if it's just to look around at stuff. I find it very relaxing, but it doesn't have to stop at Target. Whether it's Target, the mall, TJ Maxx or other local department stores, consider an extra three to four hours of spare time on your hands to do a little retail therapy. If it's not shopping, catch up on other errands or your "To-Do List." Your man will be so into the game that he won't even notice you're gone.
Get Back to Doing the Things You Enjoy
While your man is captivated by football and all the excitement of watching his favorite teams go head to head on the field, you can use that time to become enthralled with your favorite book or a hobby that you've been meaning to catch up on. Because you can expect limited interruption, it can be a great time to catch up on anything that you've pushed to the side because you just "didn't have enough time." Pick back up that old business project that you were working on or a best-selling book that you've been meaning to write. Whatever you put on the back burner when your time was limited, now's the time to bring it to the forefront. And this time, no excuses!
Avoid heavy or deep conversations
“Can we talk?" These three words (or any variation of the phrase) should be avoided as much as possible during game time. I know some of us as women love to talk and have deep conversations but choose your time wisely. Just like I don't like to be interrupted with heavy “talks" during my favorite shows, most men (and women) are the same way when it comes to their football – or any sports for that matter. Trust me, your husband or boyfriend will appreciate your thoughtfulness even that much more.
Sleep On It
Sometimes, I actually will sit and watch the game with my husband just to spend quality time together. However, one of the reasons why football isn't as exciting to me is partially because of how long the games are...especially Monday-night football. So for me, it's the perfect time to nap and catch up on some sleep. Usually when I wake up the same game is still on anyway.
Throw a football party (or go to one)
One thing I've learned about love and relationships is that it's all about compromise. While a football watch party can be a labor love, it's also a great compromise for everyone because it includes football, fellowship and fun! Does that mean every game should be a football party? Of course not, and you don't always have to be the host. No matter where the party, your man will appreciate the effort and everyone will enjoy a fun and festive time!
The most important thing, whether you've decided to enjoy some "me" time or made it your wifely (or girlfriend) duty and compromised for some "we" time, is to do whatever makes you happy! Trust me, your man will appreciate it more if you're not sitting their moping around or complaining about the lack of attention you're getting during his favorite TV time of year. Stick to my tips, and you'll get through football season just fine!
What are some things that you do to make it through football season?
Shonda Brown White is a bestselling author, blogger, life coach, and brand strategist. When she's not jumping out of a plane or zip lining, she's living the married life with her husband in Atlanta, GA. Connect with her on social @ShondaBWhite and her empowering real talk on her blog.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Going To A Wellness Retreat Reminded Me Of The Love I Deserve
If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
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My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
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Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
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The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
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The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
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The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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