Dating Tips For Rugby Players
This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Dating can often be a confusing and overwhelming experience. Navigating the many options online, dealing with awkward dates, and encountering people who don’t respect you can make you want to throw in the towel.
What can make the situation worse is if people don’t know what they want or need in a relationship before jumping in. This can cause unnecessary confusion, pain, and drama down the line, so it is essential to know exactly what you’re looking for. Knowing precisely what you want can make it much easier to avoid or easily spot the partners you don’t want and, therefore, prevent pain or drama. If you are looking to find the love of your life, here are some tips to help you throughout the dating process.
Decide On How Rugby Fits Into The Relationship
Before getting into the world of dating, you should decide how important rugby is to you and how it will fit into your relationship. For many, rugby is just a hobby they enjoy, while others take it more seriously or play professionally. Your loyalty to rugby will determine how it fits into your relationship. Those who play it as a hobby may only dedicate some time to it or drop it all together at some point in the future. However, professional players will be far more devoted to the sport, so it will probably remain a priority in their lives.
Furthermore, you want to determine if you need a partner who loves rugby just as much as you do or if you are comfortable with dating someone who isn’t a fan. Someone who only plays rugby as a hobby may not care too much if their partner doesn’t enjoy the sport. However, it may be more difficult for a professional rugby player to form a relationship with someone who has no interest in rugby. Therefore, you should consider how important rugby is in your life and if you are willing to put it aside if a future partner asks you to.
Set Appropriate Boundaries
Once you’ve determined how rugby will factor into your dating life and future, you need to define and set appropriate boundaries. If rugby is an important hobby and you plan to have scheduled practices and matches often, then those schedules and boundaries need to be determined and prioritized ahead of time.
If rugby or another sport or hobby has prominent importance in your life, then the perfect partner will understand this and allow it to remain a priority. Though this doesn’t mean you should completely neglect your relationship, you should set clear boundaries early on. Few relationships work out when one partner doesn’t respect the priorities and boundaries of the other, so this will help filter out the potential partners that are not a good fit for you.
Communicate Your Schedule And Priorities
Communication is the foundation of any good relationship, and rugby players are not exempt from this. Make it clear early on in the relationship what your schedule and boundaries are so your partner knows what to expect. Don’t avoid discussing the topic or bring it up much later on or at an inconvenient time. Your partner should know your priorities right ahead. It’s only fair to both you and them.
Furthermore, communication in general is a good habit to get into when getting back into dating. Couples who can’t communicate often have more arguments, relationship problems, and emotional pain than those who do. So make sure to get in the habit of communicating early on as it may be the key to a happy and long-lasting relationship.
Talk About Something Other Than Rugby
Even if you and your partner absolutely love rugby, try not to make it your only conversation. Humans have an incredible amount of depth and complexity, meaning that both you and your partner have so much more to share with each other. Though rugby is an amazing sport, it shouldn’t be the sole foundation of your relationship.
Relationships thrive when people can share the most intimate and private aspects of themselves. So once you feel comfortable doing so, make sure to share other parts of your life with your partner.
Furthermore, make sure to listen to your partner as well. You want to fall in love with someone for their entire being, not just one personality trait or hobby. So take time to get to know each other and enjoy multiple hobbies and activities together.
Final Thoughts On Dating
Dating can always be a bit turbulent to navigate. It can be even harder if you have a passion for a particular hobby or sport that others may not share. However, with boundaries, communication, and mutual respect, you can find a great partner that loves you for you and respects (or even shares) your passion for rugby.
For more information and dating advice, check out the resources found over at BetterHelp.
