Daughters: Give Your Dad a Special Gift This Father’s Day
By Jake Fowler
Remember that Britney Spears or NSYNC concert your dad took you to when you were a teenager. Now it’s time to return the favor. This Father’s Day, sit down with your Dad and spend some quality time watching his favorite sporting event. It’s a cheap and unique gift (Dad probably has enough golf balls and fishing lures) that will be very beneficial to your relationship, as long as you know what you’re doing. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time on the couch with Dad.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk
Just because you don’t know anything about sports or the players involved doesn’t mean you don’t have any interesting commentary to offer. Guys are used to watching sports with other guys and women can offer unique and refreshing perspectives that can liven up a game. For example, many star athletes are dating famous actresses or models that you may know much more about, and talking about them can provide a depth of knowledge about your Dad’s favorite players that he will appreciate.
Recognize the Situation
Talking to your Dad is great, unless it’s during a crucial point in the game. If there is less than five minutes to play in the fourth quarter or if it is the ninth inning in baseball- save all serious conversations for a commercial break. Nothing irritates a man more than having a potentially great moment in sports history interrupted. Understanding the magnitude of the sporting event you are watching is also important. A man is much more laid back during a regular season football game in November than he is during the Super Bowl.
Don’t Act Bored
A quick way to break your Dad’s heart is to say you really want to watch the game with him but actually appear look like you’d much rather be shopping for Manolos. A man doesn’t like to feel guilty when he’s watching the game; he wants you to share in his passion. If you truly find watching sports unbearable, your Dad will realize you’re making a sacrifice and be impressed you are doing something for him that you would never do by yourself.
Brownie Points
Your Dad doesn’t expect you to paint your face on game day or start throwing the remote at the TV after bad calls, but there certainly are ways to make yourself into his favorite daughter. Take the time to learn about his favorite team and players so you can relate to him when watching the game or just to impress him at the breakfast table. Most daughters don’t talk to their Dads about sports, so if you know even a little bit, it will be noticed. Food is also a path to any man’s heart. Surprise your Dad by making him his favorite snack at halftime or just grabbing him a fresh beer out of the blue once in a while.
Follow these tips and your Dad will be thoroughly impressed. You don’t have to watch sports with him all the time, just try it this Father’s Day and watch his face light up. Dad probably doesn’t need any more gift certificates to elaborate steakhouses. Make him his favorite dip, call a player on the opposing team a bum and enjoy a great bonding experience that he will never expect and also remember for years to come.
