Non-sports people trying to fit in
By bounce58
@bounce58 (17380)
Canada
December 14, 2010 12:04pm CST
Have you ever heard a person who is a not a sports fan talk and try to fit in?
Sometimes I feel like it’s too painful to hear them talk.
I was having lunch at work talking to a few guys about the last Canucks game when one of my colleagues who is clearly not a hockey fan, or not a sport fan for that matter joined in the discussion. He kept spitting out words and teams which was really obvious that he didn’t know what he was talking about. And it was also too obvious that he was just trying to fit in.
I didn’t want to be rude so I endured the conversation, until I finished my lunch.
So, have you ever been in this situation? How does it make you feel to hear somebody who has no business talking about a sport, yet continues just to fit in? Or to just even join the discussion.
Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against people who dislike sports. Most of the people I love/like can't stand sports either. But they have enough respect not to discuss things they don't know in front of me.
3 people like this
9 responses
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
17 Dec 10
Thank G-d I have never had this happen to me.I have friends who are not into sports. My guy isn't into hockey but he understands my passion for it . It isn't a requirement to be my friend. I just wish a non sports fan had the guts to say I am not into sports and then the subject can be changed. Or, say they would like to know about (add any sport here)and let us help them. I'm learning more about soccer by just asking questions of a very patient friend here on My Lot! So it Can happen.
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17380)
• Canada
20 Dec 10
Yes it can happen!
I'm sure any sports fan can spare enough time to educate a 'non-sport fan' about nuances of the game. Because at the end of the day, if he or she is converted into a sports fan, then all the more fun! All the more discussions to be shared.
Just don't pretend to know, because it is just awkward. Thanks Sarah.
@madteaparty (2748)
• Japan
15 Dec 10
Well, as a person who hates sports I never try to get into a sports conversation, as it's very boring for me and I don't know what are they talking about so there's no way I can try to take part. However, I think that this colleague of you was just trying hard to fit in, and as many people like sports, he probably tried to get some information, but it seems that it was not enough.
I think it's a nice thing doing the effort like that person.
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17380)
• Canada
20 Dec 10
Hello madteaparty.
At least I give you the credit of understanding the situation. And recognizing that if you can't contribute to the discussion, you just stay away.
Granted that this newcomer was just trying to fit in, I still think it's a bit awkward if he starts talking and don't know what he is talking about.
Thanks.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
17 Dec 10
I am actually typically one of the odd females that does know how to carry on a conversation about sports while most of my friends know nothing about sports. It is painful when one of those people that doesn't follow sports tries to either take part in a discussion or start a discussion about sports. Normally when I find myself in that kind of a situation I will try to gently redirect the discussion to something that my friends will be more comfortable talking about.
@bounce58 (17380)
• Canada
20 Dec 10
Being the 'odd female', I think you've got the advantage of directing the conversation where you want it. And that's great. It minimizes the awkward moments when the conversation is about sports, and is interrupted by someone who knows nothing about it.
Thanks.
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
14 Dec 10
I am more of a sports fan then my boyfriend is and he is such a sweetie as he will come along to a great many games even though he truly does not care for the game. He cheers along with the rest of us and joins in on the talks.
I would give credit to the person for trying as at least they did not grunt.
1 person likes this
@Sanitary (3968)
• Singapore
15 Dec 10
This applies to alot of other topics, not only sports. I don't like when someone is trying too hard to fit in when they don't understand anything in the first place. It's a chore listening to them and making out what they are trying to say. In cases like that, I would switch topic, something that they can relate to. When I find that I can't contribute much to it anymore, I will break away from the group than to make a fool out of myself.
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17380)
• Canada
20 Dec 10
Hello Sanitary.
I wish some would people would understand that too. Some people just get together to share a topic they all know. And if they are unwilling to change the topic because of a newcomer, I would think that they could decide for themselves to peel off from the conversation.
Thanks.
1 person likes this
@crisdel12 (78)
• Philippines
15 Dec 10
I have been into this situation many times. What I do is I try to change the topic to something both of us can sensibly talk about. I do understand that some people does this with the intention of wanting to know you more. I don't get offended though.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (74987)
• United States
15 Dec 10
I'm not a sports fan at all. I never pretend to be either. People will talk about sports and I'm just like I have no idea lol. If I was a huge sports fan though and someone was doing that pretending they were into sports when they werent I would be annoyed. I might choose to say something or I might not. Its just depends on what mood I was in.
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
14 Dec 10
I think that he may be lacking in social skills a little and was trying to fit in- be one of the boys sort of thing. I don't think that he meant to be disrespectful to you - at least I hope not.
@Toadsticker (246)
• United States
14 Dec 10
We have a radio guy hereabouts who when he talks about hockey games always refers to it as "the field", drives me crazy.
Maybe he needs reminding that there is such a thing as hockey on ice. And that skates don't go very far on the 'field'.
Thanks!