|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Love and the Red Sox - How the Red Sox Prepared Me For Dating
Copyright (c) 2007-2023 Barbara Grassey
I found out a very good friend of mine is a Cleveland Indians fan. Rabid Cleveland Indians fan. As a Red Sox fan, this is on par with finding out your current boyfriend is gay. ("He was always so good about going to Ikea with me...") We have found our first point of disagreement after a year and a half of friendship. In my state of shock, all I could think was, "Who the heck is a Cleveland Indians fan?" I pictured my buddy and Drew Carey alone in the stands wearing raccoon coats and clutching little Indians pennants. Maybe a little ways from them would be two transplanted Red Sox fans, there to cheer on Trot Nixon. (To his credit, my friend was cheering on the Red Sox for the World Series so he has redeemed himself.)
Now, intellectually I know that the Indians and the Rockies are both great teams and deserve every fan they have. But I am a Red Sox fan. That long-standing tradition of baseball suffering and angst is just not possible for Denver (the team hasn't been around long enough to be long-suffering) and angst is just not part of the fabric of Cleveland. (Please note that I am not making a mean, incredibly easy joke on fabric and Cleveland. I have my standards. So insert your own Cleveland/polyester joke here. I won't since they came close to whipping my Sox's butts.) In true Red Sox war cry fashion, I have to say, "At least it isn't the Yankees." And this is the attitude, this is the tradition that has prepared me for the dating world.
Face it, unless you married the guy who asked you to the junior and senior prom, you are probably going to have some bad dating experiences. But if you grew up as a Red Sox fan, you can handle it.
Most years, the season starts off like most relationships. The Red Sox are looking good, looking strong, really impressing us. Right up to the All Star Break. About two and a half months. And if you compare the time tables, most relationships look good the first couple of months. But then there is that slight slip up, a bobble, an error that brings what could have been a lovely evening to an inauspicious close. You start having second thoughts. You really do have a headache.
You can handle this because you have invested just a short period of time in this illusion called hope. You are not totally emotionally invested. (Note: You are lying to yourself.) You have seen them slip and recover before. You know that men need to be forgiven for the things they do that are just, well, guy things. It was a one-time aberration. So it might still be okay. This guy might still be the one. We still have a shot at going all the way. And while you would never voice that hope out loud to anyone, it is clanging in the back of your mind, every time he brings flowers; every time Ortiz slams one home. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
Unconsciously, you dial your commitment level back a couple of notches; you turtle back into survival mode. You may check in on the man and the team from time to time, allowing chances at redemption but they are both slipping in the standings. You are already aware that No, he is not the one and No, this is not the year. You just aren't ready to admit it to yourself yet. That will come at the beginning of September.
But every so often, you have a summer that is everything you could ever hope for. The boys are making plays that are as finely choreographed as a ballet; they are knocking in runs, they can do no wrong. Your dating relationship looks like the montage from every chick flick ever made where the guy is funny and charming and so there for you. You are collectively upbeat and full of life and you are a part of the upsurge of excitement and hope. Everything looks like you are heading towards that golden moment, you are ready to make that commitment in front of God and everyone: "I think we are going to make it this year. I think we can win the Series."
You hold your breath, waiting for the implosion. They will blow a lead so badly you have to wonder if it is intentional. He will do something unbelievably, unforgivably stupid. It will be the deal breaker. It will be the colossal error that ruins everything. It is the self-sabotage that will tell you "No, this is not the guy for you. This is not the year." They will fall further and further behind. You will wonder what you saw in him in the first place. You are prepared to be bitter because you have played the fool once again.
You stock your woman-cave with Godiva chocolate and quarts of Haagen-Daaz for the coming crash (after all, you have been here before) and you are prepared to spend the winter recovering from the dreams of what could have been.
You hold your breath, your muscles tense waiting for the fall. And a miracle happens. Incredibly, inexplicably, he comes out of a tailspin and soars like a hawk on a thermal. They sweep the series and sweep you off your feet. That flame of hope that you were prepared to let die catches fire and you are glad that you took a chance on looking foolish. It was worth sticking your neck out, it was worth crawling out on that shaky, straggly limb of hope. Because when it comes to love and the Red Sox, anything is possible.
|
Barbara Grassey is a writer, speaker and instructor. She blogs at http://www.barbaragrassey.com Her upcoming book, "Don't Make Me Slap You", will be out this winter.
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Society Articles || Related Categories: Sports and Recreation Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Barbara Grassey
Most Recent "Society" Articles
When Commitment Seems A Bit Too Much Trouble
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2013-11-05 |
Word Count: 986 |
Page Views: 7155
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 1.67
The nuclear family (man and wife, plus 2.2 kids) is a
fantasy that some people want to chase, and while there is
nothing wrong with that, it is not the right relationship
dynamic for some people.
The Online Dating Double Standard: How Fear Can Prevent Dating Success
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2013-10-23 |
Word Count: 958 |
Page Views: 7849
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 1.94
Many people go online in search of their elusive soul mate, only
to find all of the wrong people on the other end of the meeting.
Many women think that they are alone in this outcome, but it
happens to guys too.
Online Dating Is A Difficult Process That Offers Some Rewards
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2013-10-17 |
Word Count: 834 |
Page Views: 7354
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 1.95
Online dating can be rewarding to those who have the patience and
the knowledge of what to expect during the process. This article
explains the common process experienced by most internet dating
website users.
How Dating Has Changed In The 21st Century
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2013-10-15 |
Word Count: 974 |
Page Views: 14360
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 1.70
With an article title like this, one might assume that I am ready
to tell you some extraordinary news about a new dating
environment. Sure, the Internet has introduced one more way for
people to meet, but does that actually change the dating scene?
Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man
Written by: Arthur Trafford |
Distributed: 2011-12-12 |
Word Count: 991 |
Page Views: 456
In 1st John 5:5 we are told that “Jesus is the Son of God”. What
motivated Jesus to refer to Himself as “Son of man”?
3 Tips For Building Relationships That Last
Written by: Clarence Lee |
Distributed: 2011-07-21 |
Word Count: 754 |
Page Views: 4976
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.40
You know, to hear people talk about the difficulties of the
dating process, you would think it is impossible for two
people to come together in a mutually beneficial
relationship... But the problems of any relationship can be
narrowed down to three very important and relevant words...
The Drama of the Dating Game
Written by: Clarence Lee |
Distributed: 2011-07-20 |
Word Count: 620 |
Page Views: 5214
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.33
Dating is tough. You spend time getting to know someone and
deciding whether the two of you are compatible. Then you
work your way up to the big question, "Will you go out with
me?" Then you sweat the answer... Will he/she say yes?
3 Courses of Action For an Unhappy Relationship
Written by: Tony G. Mann |
Distributed: 2010-04-20 |
Word Count: 354 |
Page Views: 4591
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
The reality is that if you are actively dating, you're
going to probably end up in an unhappy relationship
eventually. For some people, they may have to go through
several bad relationships before finding the right one. If
you are facing an unhappy relationship, then there are three
courses of action you can take:
Relationship Questions: What Men Want and What Women Need
Written by: Bob Grant |
Distributed: 2010-03-15 |
Word Count: 737 |
Page Views: 8549
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.79
What men want is to be trusted and what women want is to
trust them. A fundamental, physical difference in the sexes
lies at the heart of these core relationship questions. By
simply doing what they say they will do, men have the power
to create stronger, better relationships.
Cheap Tattoos Cheapen The Tattooing Experience
Written by: Bree Levine |
Distributed: 2010-03-04 |
Word Count: 603 |
Page Views: 4381
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
Many of my girlfriends have "girl nights" around getting
tattoos, as if it were as casual as getting a haircut or a
manicure. The casual attitude toward tattoos bothers me for
two reasons; there is the age old argument that tattoos are
permanent and not a decision to make lightly. The other
argument I have against tattoos is that getting a tattoo on
a whim significantly cheapens the tattoos that others have
for cultural reasons or to commemorate a major life event.
Most Viewed "Society" Articles
Creative Flower Card Messages Worthy Of Harry Potter Author J.K. Rowling
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-30 |
Word Count: 512 |
Page Views: 50418
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 1.47
As much as we might like to be, we're not all talented writers
like the best-selling author of the Harry Potter books series,
J.K. Rowling. Those of us who aren't skilled writers (and
probably some who are!) sometimes struggle with finding the right
words to say.
Las Vegas Weddings: Pros and Cons of Getting Married in Las Vegas
Written by: Sharmila Pundit |
Distributed: 2006-09-01 |
Word Count: 487 |
Page Views: 30408
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.25
For some people a Vegas wedding is an original and romantic thing
to do and for some it is a sleazy way to tie the knot. Is getting
married in Las Vegas a good idea? Read all about it and decide
for yourself.
How to Play Santa Claus for Children--A Short Guide
Written by: Victoria McCraw |
Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 419 |
Page Views: 25112
| Votes: 138 |
Rating: 2.36
Playing Santa Claus for children, whether as a semi professional
shopping mall Santa, a charity Santa who works to cheer up less
fortunate children, or even as the resident Santa at social and
family gatherings, is a heartwarming and important job. Nothing
can quite compare with the smile on a child's face when he or
she discovers that Santa is in the room.
Petit Larceny: Not Always Petty
Written by: Warren Redlich |
Distributed: 2008-10-02 |
Word Count: 749 |
Page Views: 23888
| Votes: 38 |
Rating: 3.26
Petit Larceny, sometimes referred to as Petty Larceny, is defined
in New York State as a theft of property valued at less than
$1000. In contrast, Grand Larceny is a theft of property at least
$1000 in value.
Single? Here's the Ultimate Date Idea
Written by: Jason OConnor |
Distributed: 2006-05-19 |
Word Count: 1194 |
Page Views: 22844
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.88
If you're a regular guy, the kind who loves sports and hates the
opera for instance, then here's an awesome date idea I bet you've
never really considered before: taking a woman to a Broadway
production, even if you don't live in New York City. You can
find professional Broadway productions in most major North
American cities.
How to Contact Your Ex When They Continue to Ignore You
Written by: James Kern |
Distributed: 2009-07-28 |
Word Count: 752 |
Page Views: 17354
| Votes: 36 |
Rating: 2.17
She just wont return your calls, or give you the time of day
and listen. You're smitten. You want nothing more than to
talk with this woman and tell her how you're feeling, but
you keep getting bumped to voicemail. Your texts vanish into
a void and are never returned. Your emails go unread.
What's a guy to do?
Attract Beautiful, Sexy Women With Bad Boy Attitude But A Nice Guy Style
Written by: Ken Oboh |
Distributed: 2006-06-06 |
Word Count: 589 |
Page Views: 15521
| Votes: 80 |
Rating: 1.65
The bad boy naturally attracts and seduces women...but you can
just as easily succeed with women as a nice guy by applying
the same secret techniques.
Feet, Personality Theory, Dating and Relationships
Written by: Mr L.Rx |
Distributed: 2007-08-29 |
Word Count: 2583 |
Page Views: 14444
| Votes: 55 |
Rating: 3.16
In this article Mr. L. Rx describes an 80-90 percent correlation
between personality type and the angle between ones feet, and
tells how it can be applied to dating and relating.
How Dating Has Changed In The 21st Century
Written by: Lance Metzger |
Distributed: 2013-10-15 |
Word Count: 974 |
Page Views: 14360
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 1.70
With an article title like this, one might assume that I am ready
to tell you some extraordinary news about a new dating
environment. Sure, the Internet has introduced one more way for
people to meet, but does that actually change the dating scene?
The Top Half Dozen Gas-Saving Myths In Automobile Driving Today
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-02-25 |
Word Count: 3092 |
Page Views: 9159
| Votes: 29 |
Rating: 3.07
In this article, we shall expose some of the major myths about
automotive fuel economy, and we will dispel those myths at the
same time. Read on as this is interesting stuff.
Highest Ranked "Society" Articles
Would You Like To Know How To Pick Up Women In Bars And Clubs?
Written by: Mr L.Rx |
Distributed: 2007-03-23 |
Word Count: 885 |
Page Views: 6685
| Votes: 40 |
Rating: 3.35
The first technique is explained in this first article of a three
part series describing techniques that you can use to pick up
women in bars and clubs.
Petit Larceny: Not Always Petty
Written by: Warren Redlich |
Distributed: 2008-10-02 |
Word Count: 749 |
Page Views: 23888
| Votes: 38 |
Rating: 3.26
Petit Larceny, sometimes referred to as Petty Larceny, is defined
in New York State as a theft of property valued at less than
$1000. In contrast, Grand Larceny is a theft of property at least
$1000 in value.
ABCs Desperate Housewives and the Suddenly Famous Pink Blanket
Written by: Scott Corbett |
Distributed: 2006-05-25 |
Word Count: 580 |
Page Views: 5284
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.22
Ever since Cary Grant rattled the men's t-shirt industry by
famously appearing without one and causing a decline in retail
sales of undershirts, television and movie stars have been
changing the tastes of the American consumer.
Feet, Personality Theory, Dating and Relationships
Written by: Mr L.Rx |
Distributed: 2007-08-29 |
Word Count: 2583 |
Page Views: 14444
| Votes: 55 |
Rating: 3.16
In this article Mr. L. Rx describes an 80-90 percent correlation
between personality type and the angle between ones feet, and
tells how it can be applied to dating and relating.
The Top Half Dozen Gas-Saving Myths In Automobile Driving Today
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-02-25 |
Word Count: 3092 |
Page Views: 9159
| Votes: 29 |
Rating: 3.07
In this article, we shall expose some of the major myths about
automotive fuel economy, and we will dispel those myths at the
same time. Read on as this is interesting stuff.
Embracing the Recession
Written by: Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM |
Distributed: 2008-11-25 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 3884
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.00
We live in uncertain economic times. Every time we turn on the
news we hear of another company that is going under or another
company that is laying off thousands of its workforce or another
company that has had to respond to a lack of shareholder
confidence with kneejerk reactions. People just don't want to
watch the news anymore!
Dating Your Girlfriend's Best Friend
Written by: Kathy Stafford |
Distributed: 2007-09-28 |
Word Count: 685 |
Page Views: 8622
| Votes: 25 |
Rating: 2.96
Explore your options if you're considering dating a friend of
your girlfriend's. Offers tips on how to proceed in this
delicate situation and what traps to avoid.
Baby Boomers - A Healthcare Crisis Nears
Written by: Heath Atchison |
Distributed: 2006-07-25 |
Word Count: 1120 |
Page Views: 6774
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.92
Baby boomers are quickly approaching retirement age, and as they
do, there are a number of concerns that need to be addressed,
particularly in the area of healthcare. Unfortunately, there
appears to be no easy answers to the healthcare problems that
baby boomers, and the population in general, will face in the
very near future.
The Argument Women Can't Win
Written by: Bob Grant |
Distributed: 2006-09-12 |
Word Count: 501 |
Page Views: 6750
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.83
When it comes to fighting and disagreeing with a man in a
relationship, women frequently make a critical mistake which ends
up causing them to feel hurt and lonely. Here is the scenario
that typically happens.
How to Save Money on Your Wedding - Even During a Down Economy
Written by: Sarah Simmons |
Distributed: 2009-07-14 |
Word Count: 532 |
Page Views: 3982
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.81
Weddings are expensive to plan at anytime, but during the current
economy, it can seem downright impossible to pull off the perfect
wedding. But have no fear brides, for there ARE ways to have your
dream wedding without breaking the bank.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 956
Total Views: 3876
Article Rating: 2.43 of 5
Votes Cast: 7
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2007-11-14 13:50:00
Internal ID: #5424
|
|
|
Home