How to survive the World Cup

By Glynda Alves

The World Cup brings so many countries together, but if you and your partner are supporting rival teams, too much enthusiasm could be a foul for you. Here are some dos and don’ts so that you don’t get a red card — read, sleeping on the couch.

Do's:

Do: Find a middle ground. Maybe your No 1 teams are rivals, but it helps to have a secondary team that you both love. Discuss the pros and cons of a team and choose them as your No 2.
Do: Understand the love. Your partner obviously adores the team for a reason — be respectful. Maybe they love a particular team because their father supported it. Don’t be dismissive.
Do: Place a friendly wager. The winner has to take the loser out for dinner. No matter what side you’re on, you win
Do: Establish ground rules. You may be fine with some name-calling and teasing but if your partner is touchy, don’t push it.

Don't:
Don’t: Be a jerk. It applies in real life and especially when your team scores.
Don’t: Force your kids to pick sides. Chances are they will pick a team neither of you like. Ha!
Don’t: Take it too seriously. Remember the World Cup shouldn’t break up your marriage or make you drop cola on your spouse’s team jersey. It’s just a game.
Don’t: Be a sore loser. Kiss and congratulate your partner, then pick where you want them to take you for dinner. Doesn’t seem so bad now, does it?