Women and Super Bowl Sunday
February/08/2010 09:02 AM Filed in: Women | Friends | Sports | Life of a Rock Star | Nicole Hanratty
Women and Super Bowl Sunday
by Nicole Hanratty
For women, Super Bowl Sunday is never just about the game. Of course there is the food and the friends--don't forget the commercials and silly betting pools--but aside from what is happening on the field there is off the field drama as well. I'm not talking about the tear jerking mini-dramas that are played throughout the day about players beating the odds to make it to the Super Bowl or the personal challenges they endure that glue you to the couch in anticipation of seeing these individuals be rewarded for their endurance and perseverance. I'm talking about the drama that is unfolding in the living room.
No- the myths that Super Bowl Sunday see a spike in domestic violence are not the drama I'm referring to either... FYI, these have seem to be rebuked for the most part. [See Super Bowl Sunday, Domestic Violence & Your Health By John M Grohol PSYD]
It's the relationships and bonding, the rivalry and fun, the conversations that happen in the dining room far away from where the game is even being aired. Women have an amazing ability to ease through a testosterone filled room with a smile--showing interest in the game when appropriate--but otherwise huddling together to share their stories, heartache and laughter.
Women can navigate a party filled with people and stop to casually greet some, avoid others and find a quiet corner to confide in a few close girlfriends. The quarters keep passing. Plans for future celebrations are made. Vegas, Baby. (Sorry Mr. President.) Meal ideas are shared. Compliments bestowed. Giggles. Another touchdown is scored. Recipes are discussed. Cocktails poured. Report cards and schools are analyzed. Knowing looks swapped. Embarrassing admissions made. A roar from the crowd and the women glance over to stay apprised. Observations are made from across the room. Odd hostess gifts raise eyebrows. Wild energy from children running through the house and men howling stirs about, the game plays on but time stops when one friend quietly tells another that life is not going well.
It's a moment for friendship and focus, sharing and empathizing all amidst the clamoring of fans rooting crazily for their team. A resonating look and a hug exchanged. Pain shared.
An instant later an outsider interrupts the conversation and happy faces are put back on by all, as if the conversation never happened. Coping goes on. Drama is swept back under the rug.
The Titans win and the crowd goes wild.
To women everywhere, here's a nod of Super Bowl Sunday admiration for the struggles you face and the burdens you endure--quietly with a smile--while still showing up every day to play the game, work hard, and take care of your families with love.
Au revoir for now...n
Did your Super Bowl Sunday party have drama?
by Nicole Hanratty
For women, Super Bowl Sunday is never just about the game. Of course there is the food and the friends--don't forget the commercials and silly betting pools--but aside from what is happening on the field there is off the field drama as well. I'm not talking about the tear jerking mini-dramas that are played throughout the day about players beating the odds to make it to the Super Bowl or the personal challenges they endure that glue you to the couch in anticipation of seeing these individuals be rewarded for their endurance and perseverance. I'm talking about the drama that is unfolding in the living room.
No- the myths that Super Bowl Sunday see a spike in domestic violence are not the drama I'm referring to either... FYI, these have seem to be rebuked for the most part. [See Super Bowl Sunday, Domestic Violence & Your Health By John M Grohol PSYD]
It's the relationships and bonding, the rivalry and fun, the conversations that happen in the dining room far away from where the game is even being aired. Women have an amazing ability to ease through a testosterone filled room with a smile--showing interest in the game when appropriate--but otherwise huddling together to share their stories, heartache and laughter.
Women can navigate a party filled with people and stop to casually greet some, avoid others and find a quiet corner to confide in a few close girlfriends. The quarters keep passing. Plans for future celebrations are made. Vegas, Baby. (Sorry Mr. President.) Meal ideas are shared. Compliments bestowed. Giggles. Another touchdown is scored. Recipes are discussed. Cocktails poured. Report cards and schools are analyzed. Knowing looks swapped. Embarrassing admissions made. A roar from the crowd and the women glance over to stay apprised. Observations are made from across the room. Odd hostess gifts raise eyebrows. Wild energy from children running through the house and men howling stirs about, the game plays on but time stops when one friend quietly tells another that life is not going well.
It's a moment for friendship and focus, sharing and empathizing all amidst the clamoring of fans rooting crazily for their team. A resonating look and a hug exchanged. Pain shared.
An instant later an outsider interrupts the conversation and happy faces are put back on by all, as if the conversation never happened. Coping goes on. Drama is swept back under the rug.
The Titans win and the crowd goes wild.
To women everywhere, here's a nod of Super Bowl Sunday admiration for the struggles you face and the burdens you endure--quietly with a smile--while still showing up every day to play the game, work hard, and take care of your families with love.
Au revoir for now...n
Did your Super Bowl Sunday party have drama?
