Game Day Decision: Choosing Between The Game and The Girl

October Saturdays.

For most of us in this community, these days are sanctified. Set apart for one thing, and one thing only: College Football.

It's our religion, and Saturday is our holy day.

This practice is taken on by many men and women alike. People who have seen the light from the darkness, who have traded their rags of weekend wastefulness for the riches of gridiron prosperity. And the effort is to be deterred by nothing.

Or is it?

There is a problem that needs to be addressed because many are falling by the wayside from the discipline of our belief and are being enticed by those of alternate persuasion.

And yes, I'm talking about you.

Didn't think anyone saw you miss the game last weekend to go on a picnic with that girl who works in Human Resources did you?

I'm sure you thought it was harmless, sitting on a plaid blanket, eating chicken salad sandwiches, sipping on Kool-Aid, all the while thinking that you could just catch the scores when you got back home.

Don't squirm now my friend. You weren't squirming when, after this nice lunch at the park, she talked you into taking her to the mall so she could get those new shoes she's been just dying to have. Black. Open-toed. Four-inch heels.

Ha! And you actually PAID for them.

I'm not writing this to cripple you with guilt, although it's feeling kind of heavy isn't it?

The reason I'm confronting you is because I'm concerned. As a fellow member of this great congregation, I hate to see another falter. Am I not my brother's keeper?

You see, it's the little foxes that spoil the vineyards.

Sure it was just one picnic on one Saturday afternoon, but see how that picnic led to shopping. Shopping! On Saturday!

Next thing you know she'll have you watching Sex and the City reruns on TBS while everyone else is down at Mickey's watching the game of the week on the big screen.

Is that what you want?

Look. I'm not saying you have to stop seeing her, she seems like a great catch, but there is a decision that has to be made—a line drawn in the sand.

She has to understand that just as she enjoys picnics, shopping, and long walks on the beach, you enjoy college football on Saturdays.

Relationships are built on compromise! Haven't you watched Dr. Phil?

And when she notices how much this is a part of your life, if she cares for you at all, she'll understand your passion for the game and succumb to your Saturday rituals.

Hey, she might even become interested herself. No harm in that.

It's game day. The decision is yours.