Upcoming Holidays: Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Day, March Madness, Bracketology
Hey, reader! Can you believe we’re already in February? That means Valentine’s Day is coming up and it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to get that special someone in your life.
But, that’s not the only holiday happening soon. In fact, there are a few other upcoming holidays worth mentioning.
Let’s dive into it together.
Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re in a relationship or flying solo, Valentine’s Day is always a day full of love and appreciation.
It’s a time to show your loved ones how much you care about them. Maybe you’ll buy them a gift, make them dinner, or simply spend quality time together.
Whatever you choose to do, just remember that it’s the thought that counts.
St. Patty’s Day
This holiday is all about wearing green, drinking beer, and celebrating Irish culture. It’s a holiday that’s enjoyed by many people, regardless of their heritage.
So, get your green clothes ready and make some plans to spend time with your friends. Don’t forget to enjoy some delicious Irish cuisine too.
March Madness
Now, let’s talk about March Madness. If you’re a sports fan, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
For those who don’t know, March Madness is a basketball tournament that takes place during March and April. It’s filled with excitement, drama, and plenty of upsets.
It’s a time when people from all walks of life come together to root for their favorite teams.
Gender Roles in March Madness
When we think of March Madness, we often think of men zoned out in front of the TV, cheering on their favorite teams. Meanwhile, their wives and girlfriends roll their eyes and go about their day.
This stereotype has been perpetuated for years, but is it really true? Are women not interested in March Madness?
The truth is, women are just as interested in March Madness as men are. In fact, many women enjoy filling out brackets and watching the games just as much as their male counterparts.
It’s time to break down these gender stereotypes and acknowledge that both men and women can enjoy sports.
Women’s Participation in March Madness
Women have been participating in March Madness in their own way for years.
- They fill out brackets
- Join office pools
- Organize their own watch parties
It’s a way for them to connect with their friends and colleagues while also enjoying some exciting basketball.
So, why do we continue to perpetuate the idea that only men are interested in sports? It’s time to change our thinking and acknowledge that both men and women can be sports fans.
It’s time to include everyone in the excitement of March Madness.
Coping Tips for Non-Madness Partners
Not taking it personally
First things first, it’s important to remember that March Madness is not about you. When your partner is zoned out in front of the TV, their attention is not completely focused on you.
This doesn’t mean they don’t love or value you. So, try not to take it personally and use this time to focus on yourself.
Planning ‘me time’ activities
Use this opportunity to schedule some time for yourself.
- Plan a spa day
- Go on a shopping trip
- Spend some time reading
- Plan a gal-pal getaway
- Indulge in some binge-watching
Finding something you enjoy will help pass the time and give you something to look forward to.
Participating in the fun
If you’re feeling up to it, consider participating in the fun.
- Fill out a bracket
- Make a wager with your partner
- Enjoy unforeseeable upsets
- Analyze ESPN analysts
- Consider the competition that March Madness brings and see what you can learn
Scheduling special “couple time”
It’s important not to forget to schedule some special “couple time.” Although your partner may be entranced by the game, find a way to make it work.
- Adjust schedules
- Snuggle up on the couch and wear headphones while entranced by the game
- Prep ahead of time, bringing in take-out foods and making game-time snacks together
Teamwork, is key, after all.
Not keeping score
It’s important to not keep score or try to maintain a 50/50 relationship balance. Disharmony during March Madness is not caused by the event itself, but by entrenched relationship patterns.
Try to keep conversation going and even facilitate activities that foster peace and understanding.
Relationship Dynamics During March Madness
March Madness can highlight the dynamics within a relationship. Pre-existing marital dynamics such as divisions of labor, spending habits, and allocation of time and energy can all come to the forefront during this time.
Game-watching can actually help bring up aspects of the relationship that need TLC.
Reflection on areas of the relationship that need TLC
With these unique relationship dynamics in mind, March Madness can serve as a time of reflection. Take some time to reflect on your emotional affect and how it pertains to your relationship.
Evaluate different aspects of your relationship and work on repairing any working components.
Advice to not schedule important conversations during Final Four
One piece of practical advice to keep in mind during March Madness is to avoid scheduling important conversations during the Final Four. Timing is key and the importance of conversations can get muddled within the excitement of the tournament.
In Closing
Non-Madness partners might feel left out or exhausted through the excitement of March Madness. It’s important to recognize and understand that March Madness is just that madness.
But with these tips in mind — planning ‘me time’ activities, participating in the fun, scheduling special couple time, not keeping score, and not taking it personally — you won’t just get through the tournament, but thrive. Ultimately, it’s important for relationships to reflect on the dynamics that March Madness brings up to the forefront, and to use the tournament as a segue into furthering and strengthening relationships.
In conclusion, we’ve covered a lot of ground in this article. From upcoming holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Day, and March Madness, to coping tips for non-Madness partners and the relationship dynamics that emerge during March Madness, we’ve explored a number of different topics.
It’s important to remember that everyone has their own interests and passions, and that’s perfectly okay. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, what matters most is finding a way to support and understand one another.
By using these coping tips and reflecting on the dynamics within our relationships, we can strengthen our connections and build even stronger bonds with our partners. So, let’s enjoy the upcoming holidays and March Madness, but let’s also remember what’s truly important: our relationships and the people we love.
