A few cheeky tips from me on getting their attention during the World Cuip...
There’s a special free edition of the Sun newspaper going out across the country today which has everything you need to know about the World Cup including a few cheeky tips from me about your relationship. But here are my full tips before they were shortened:
Self-help expert Dr Pam Spurr gets your relationship through the World Cup
Although many women are looking forward to the World Cup one survey found 40% will grieve the start of it knowing his attention will be focused on the action.
There are obvious ploys to drag him away from the telly coverage and his endless comments on social networks chronicling every development. For instance, you could suggest showing him some moves you learnt at that pole dancing class.
But this’ll only grab his attention for the moment and do you want to end up pole-dancing for him every night? That's a career not a relationship.
If your partner (male or female) will morph into a World Cup zombie drawn to anything with a footie logo or emblem, you can make your relationship stronger rather than let the World Cup break it. Try these tips:
Develop a new attitude: Many partners who aren’t into footie dread the World Cup sighing it’ll take over our life. Turn this attitude around and see it as a temporary change in your relationship - it’s not forever. Hang onto this attitude and apply it to any stressful change in your lives - like moving house or starting a new job.
Cup half-full: If you take a ‘cup half-empty’ approach you’ll only see the negatives of your partner revelling in the World Cup. Instead be a ‘cup half-full’ person - see their passion as something good that they enjoy.
Fulfil your needs: Keeping their passion in mind, use this time developing your own interests or spending more time with friends/family. Doing something positive for yourself while they’re taken up in the tide of footie has lasting benefits. You realise it’s okay for you to follow separate pursuits.
Don’t fight social networking: Having your comments about events like the World Cup ‘liked’ or re-tweeted on social networks gives a real buzz. Instead of saying your partner’s posts are stupid let them enjoy the moment. Highlight their best ones and remind them ‘less can be more’ on social networks.
Don’t make it a power battle: If there are already stresses in your relationship don’t turn the World Cup into a power battle. They’ll only resent you more for trying to take away the fun in their life. Far better to make positive suggestions about other issues you wrangle over, leaving the footie out of it.
Compromise is key: Suggest compromise activities you both enjoy and slot these into the diary when there aren’t ‘must watch’ World Cup events. If your partner tries wriggling out remind them how positive you’ve been about their viewing. Keep it light, fun, and flirty with these activities so they’re feel-good moments with you.
Give them centre stage: When sorting these compromise plans definitely ask your partner for their suggestions and input. A careful choice of positive words makes them feel you value their opinion.
Sex can be your ultimate weapon: If the situation’s getting desperate and you haven’t had any attention take a hot shower, then parade in front of your partner allowing your towel to ‘accidentally’ drop and laugh seductively. You might find the action moves into the bedroom.
Finally score a hat-trick with your partner - after the footie’s over run them a hot bath, bring them their favourite drink, and massage their shoulders while they relax in the bubbles. This taste of paradise should prick their conscience to give you more attention.
Ultimately if big football events cause real problems for your relationship prevention is always better than cure. Well before the 2016 European Cup sit down and discuss compromising and how to make each other feel loved up even if you’re pursuing separate interests during the entire cup.
Dr Pam’s on Twitter @drpamspurr
Enjoy the footie and look after each other, Pamx