Ah, the world of sports. A realm completely uninteresting for some, but for others, this world is as essential as eating (which is saying a lot; who doesn’t love to eat?!). Personally, I love sports. I love playing them, watching them, and talking about them. There is a staggering number of sports out there, many of which we may have never heard of before, but because we love a game, we are all united. These are the things that all sports fans have in common.

1. Pride

You bleed your favorite team’s colors and know the whole roster’s names, favorite songs, and preferred local hangouts. (It’s not stalking if you just pop up there every once in a while…right?) You could not be more proud to identify as a fan of your team or sport, and you’ll scream it from the rooftops. It is this pride that brings players and fans together.

2. Community

It’s easy to befriend people who are passionate about the same things as you. You may have met your best friend while playing intramural soccer or watching a chess match (yes, chess is a sport, and I’m sure it gets plenty of spectators all of the time). A shared love for sports can bond people for life.

However, because people can become so passionate about their sports teams, sports can bring people together, but also tear them apart. (*Cue dramatic music*)

3. Enemies

We all have that team or player that we love to hate. Because of your pride and a strong sense of community and loyalty to a team, animosity is a natural byproduct. Whether it’s cross-state rivalries, rich tradition, or simply hating someone because they’re the best, you can’t help but find a team that just rubs you the wrong way. Sometimes you’ll see the color of the team you despise and have a visceral reaction, or you hear someone trash talking your hometown team, causing your friends to have to physically restrain you (even though they probably want to fight the person too).

Being a sports fan is clearly full of highs and lows.

4. Emotions

A tough loss can deflate a whole city, while a big win can turn you into a new person. Being a sports lover is often emotionally demanding, and it can really be a rollercoaster. It is easy to become absorbed in sports. In many ways, they parallel real life. Athletes and sports fans have to deal with everything from failure to intense pain or injury. The world of sports can consume you and sometimes suck you dry. However, ultimately, new reasons for why you love sports always present themselves. Sports can bring us unparalleled euphoria as well as crippling pain, but any true sports fan would tell you that it’s all worth it.