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Dating has all the elements of a good football game. Some people are Players, in every sense of the word. They're in the game and they're playing to win. All hail the one who spikes the football and does the victory shuffle. Yet, teamwork is important, group participation also has its glory but you better know how to read each others signals. Often teamwork allows you to achieve more than you would independently. Women cluster in groups, whether for protection against unwanted aggression or validation of their next conquest or for Safety. But be on guard for Interference and that all too famous c---Block (that can be read in the masculine or feminine!). I favor and have actually successfully employed, the Ray-Bert maneuver. In Everybody Loves Raymond, Robert was unable to flirt with a woman but when his brother, Raymond, was there, he loosened up and the two guys played off each other, appearing quite witty. Independently they were nothing, but their forces united to create a super-being, one capable of eliciting a giggle and a hair toss from a previously impenetrable fortress of solitude. You know her, she's the Tight End. Many a Wide Receiver or Fullback yearns to play that position.There are times when you must go solo. For that, I'll let you ponder it by yourself. Many people don't know what they are doing with themselves and come Running Back into a bad formations. Some decide to join special teams, favoring Onside Kicks with one being the Punter and other the Receiver. Interesting special teams can be the Wedge Buster or the Hands Team. Don't judge, lest ye yourself be judged.
If you're going to be Quarterback, you better know how to handle the ball and where to put it. Pray your pocket is protected so that things will go off without a HITCH (notice there are no rings in this sport). Three Hail Mary's and redemption is yours.
Each player has his own unique style. Some aggressive, some defensive. There is the hurry up offense which is code for hurry up it's taking too long to reach my glowing moment in the sun, I'm just not getting to my peak yet. Others unfortunately get there too soon, still others are in a hurry to speed the relationship to the end-zone, not realizing that there is a lot of ground to cover first. Be aware that a Touchdown can be achieved by going a lengthy series of Downs. Although, it can be very frustrating when it's Inches-and-Goal with the defense too relentless. It's at those moments that you can really feel Incomplete.
There are Kickers who kick it right out of the playing field and into the stands. Sometimes there is value in that. Getting it through Upright is a challenge.
Often it is necessary to assume a defensive posture. There are those wanting to run one by you and you better be wary and prepared to protected your personal territory. Beware the player who has being so thoroughly coached that his plays come off so smooth and natural.
The game can be rough, exhausting, challenging, and downright frustrating at times. You can't seem to get ahead, all your efforts lead to naught. The game is wearing you down. These are moments when it's time to be Sidelined, to put the towel over the head and just withdraw (not always effective so beware). You can't go wrong with a cold shower. Maybe a short hiatus will rejuvenate the spirit, maybe a leave of absence is necessary especially if there is injury involved. But being sidelined is not without its benefits. You get to watch others as they Fumble through their experiences, you can make note of errors in judgment and handling that can serve you well, should you choose to take note. More often than not, it's good to consult the Playbook.
Some people are natural Cheerleaders (drool). They are the friends who encourage the active players to reach inside themselves and bring out their best, to move the ball forward or just go for it and make a Pass at someone.
In the background are all the fans that love to root for you but also love to hate you. They will talk behind your back and rip you to pieces, pointing out all the right and especially all the wrong moves you made, all the time ignoring the obvious fact that they are nowhere near as adept at the sport as you. These are your relatives who claim to have your best interest at heart but may cut your ego, there are your friends who cheer you from the stands but gossip about you incessantly and without mercy. Maybe they are jealous, maybe they have to put down to get their own ego-rise, all those Monday morning Quarterbacks who know everything so perfectly, after the fact.
Then again, there really are fans who want the best for you and are happy for you. Those are the fans that should be welcome in the arena of your life and all others must have their season tickets revoked.
In the end, it's all a game. One that should be taken very seriously and which has far reaching consequences for all. And don't forget, to play, you better come dressed in your best gear because everything is on the Line.