Losing Isn’t Easy

By Sarah McVeigh

My column topics usually come from the insane things people around me do when it comes to sports. Unfortunately for Mr. Sidelines, it tends to be my lovely husband whom I have to write about. I am then forced to deal with the consequences of writing about my beloved husband in my “world-renowned” column.

The past couple of weeks, my home has been plagued with bad-attitude-sports-hubby. It’s gotten to the point that we, dear reader, need to discuss it.

In case you aren’t a masochist or maybe you choose to be a fan of a normal football team, the Jets are currently 0-4 (embarrassing). Week after week, I not only have to watch the Jets — although Justin Fields is good eye candy — but I also have to deal with the aftermath of their loss: my husband being a grump. I know everyone sees my husband as a positive, loud, social, ray of light. But let me tell you, that is not the case when his team loses.

This past weekend was the Ryder Cup. I guess I should be writing about that, but I really couldn’t hit my word count because I simply don’t care enough about golf. Moral of the story: the Europeans are better golfers than the Americans. My husband, like a lot of people, was glued to the TV for the entire tournament. There were some entertaining parts, I’ll admit, but the Americans were behind throughout the entire three days. This tournament caused a lot of “big emotions” for my dear husband.

This article isn’t meant to embarrass or blast my husband. I guess my question is simply, why? Why do people put themselves through this heartache?

Listen, I’ve been an ASU fan since birth, so I know what it means to lose! But I don’t let it completely consume me. I can still have fun watching the game, and when it’s over, win or lose, I move on. I would never have a game affect my attitude for an entire night! I once (and never again) traveled with friends to a Jets away game. Obviously, the Jets lost. The girls were ready to move on, drink, and have fun, but the guys talked about the loss for the rest of the trip. Even when we landed back at JFK, they were talking about the gosh damn Jets!

If you are a true fan, you should absolutely care if they win or lose. But there is a line. Maybe we should set a statute of limitations on our feelings regarding a game. How long should be enough time for my husband to recover from a loss? I think after 30 minutes he should be able to move on. I know that is probably not very realistic, though.

Think about it and get back to me. And please don’t let your team ruin your weekend. Your wife doesn’t deserve it; it’s not her fault the Jets are cursed.