Fuerayano Teextrano

How To Make Friends…Or Enemies Through Fandom

Oh, interpersonal communication. Did you know the more similar others are to ourselves, the more likely we are to like them? A lot of it has to do with uncertainty reduction theory. Take for instance, sports. If someone else is wearing apparel that has the logo of the team you like, you are more likely to have a positive impression of them and welcome them into your space. This story is a perfect example. Sometimes a shirt or hat isn’t enough though, because behavior matters. But what is the point of this incessant blabbering, you may ask? Well, it leads to the title of the post.

When a die-hard fan of any football team attends a game, everyone knows (or at least we hope they do) that there are a few unwritten rules about what you should and should not do around your fellow fans. For those of you who don’t know (although you may think you do), read on for some insight.

How to Make Friends at a Game:

1. If people need somewhere to sit and there’s a bit of room, move down on the bench. Yeah it’s a little crowded, but on cold days, it can keep everyone warmer anyway.

2. If you see a fellow fan in need of a poncho, umbrella, gloves, hat or whatever the accessory may be and you happen to have an extra, offer it to them (only to borrow though, of course). Simple gesture, but it goes a long way.

3. Wear proper team gear. Don’t come with any homemade t-shirts or sweatshirts with offensive language. Not everyone is going to be cool with that. Respect others and wear official apparel.

How Not to Make Friends at a Game:

1. Don’t show up with obnoxious, large signs that get in the way of others, or artificial afros that are four feet tall. And for goodness sake, be a good judge about body paint if you feel so inclined to use it.

2. Don’t get outrageously drunk. No one likes being around the drunk dude at the game. Drunken behavior usually includes excessive loudness, rudeness and loss of balance (which can be really annoying if you’re the one getting fallen on). So please, don’t be “that guy”. 

3. Don’t wear opposing team apparel. If you’re a fan of the other team, chances are, you’re better off on the other side of the stadium. Don’t take this advice lightly. Stay on your own side. That’s it.