Going from the girl in high school who was known for her uncoordinated and nonathletic self to dating a full-fledged college athlete with dreams of going all the way to the MLB for baseball was a huge jump for me. Considering the fact I never was apart of any sports teams (unless you count my soccer league from 5^th grade), I was never able to understand how someone could have so much love for just a game. The idea of such a strong commitment to a recreational activity was a foreign concept to me, until I met my boyfriend who came to teach me that being an athlete is a certain lifestyle; a lifestyle that you have to learn and grow to understand. This of course doesn’t mean that being the athlete’s girlfriend is always easy, but if you truly understand the aspects that come along with the title, it’ll make the job a lot easier.

His sport will always be his #1 priority, and you will fall as #2 to a lot of things

Understanding this concept was hard at first. I mean what girl wants to be #2? But when unexpected practices pop-up or make-up games fall on date nights, he can’t help but leave you hanging. An important thing to remember is that although he may love the game, it doesn’t mean it takes away from the love he has for you. If it’s truly his passion and has committed a huge part of his life to it, you need to respect that fact that his sport, in a sense, is his “other relationship.”

If you don’t like sports, you better start

Going from sports barely ever crossing my horizon of daily topics, to sports being a huge part of my day was definitely an eye-opener. I was shocked that after making an effort to learn the basics of baseball, I actually began to enjoy watching (well in small dosages that is). Be prepared to have the “relax and watch TV together” nights turn into game night on ESPN. If an athlete isn’t playing baseball, you better believe they will take a busman’s holiday and watch it instead.

Time is precious

Being an athlete is very similar to working a full time job, and some days are good and others are not so good. Athletes’ schedules are very hectic, from 6 a.m. lift to four-hour practices a day along with piles of schoolwork, it's almost impossible to not be exhausted at the end of the day. You better believe he will take plenty of naps and most of the time you will only get to talk to him for a short period of time scattered throughout the day. Appreciate the time you do get to talk or spend with him though. As for the time spent alone? Use it as time for yourself. Many times people forget to do things for themselves when in relationship. Having your own life and staying busy allows you to better yourself while still being in a committed relationship.

You MUST stay supportive

It's important to make sure he knows you support him. After all it's their dream they’re going after. Knowing that you will be there at the end of the day or to wish him luck before a game are just the little things he needs. It’s definitely not easy and there will be frustrating nights, but at the end of the day to have such a goal oriented and dedicated significant other is a great thing to have. It all pays off when you stay positive and appreciate what you have.

Of course seeing him in his uniform is just an extra perk to the title too.