By Answerman

Something eXtra from my "How to" series, for the guys. How to get in good with your lady after watching an NBA playoff game.

We all want to watch the NBA playoffs. However, when we watch too much sports and neglect our ladies, they turn off. It's fine every now and then, but the NBA playoffs are 16 teams, 100+ games, extended first round, over a 2 month period. No man can hold out that long.

The Answerman is here to tell you that in fact, you can have BOTH.

Its a 4-step process.

1) Establish Goodwill: Do NOT make her watch any of the NCAA's. Always flip past them and say things like "That's OK hon, let's watch American Idol". She knows the NCAA's are a big deal. She'll remember this sacrifice later.

2) Establish Precedent: Next time the NBA is on flip past and say, "That's OK hon, let's watch 'Judging Amy'. It's not an important game. I'll just check the score during commercials". This is the Great Commercial Compromise.

3) Peak Interest: As you watch - during commercials - tell her stories about NBA players. Start with a nice story "David Robinson did a Navy tour before joining the NBA". Move on to an interesting story (for them) "You know McGrady and Carter are cousins but now are rivals..."

Most importantly, ask her opinion. If she's fun, say "That Pippen guy sure is ugly...what do you think?" or if she's an intellectual, "I don't think HS kids should enter the pros. What about you?".

Women love to offer opinions. It makes their lack of interest in sports so mind-boggling. Once they understand that half of following sports is giving unfounded opinions, they will get into it.

If you don't know what to say, turn on a Philly game. Women love Iverson. I don't know why.

4) In Action: Playoffs start. Its summer time. All other TV is repeats. She flips to "The Practice"

"Haven't you seen this one, there's a BIG game on. How about we watch that and FLIP to the 'Practice' DURING COMMERCIALS"

She cannot say no. The "great commercial compromise" has already been made.

Once the game is on remind her of the interesting and colorful characters you introduced prior. Remind her that she had an opinion on them. Next thing you know she says "Oh really, I hope he wins." "He" is always Iverson.

...and now you are watching playoff basketball, including post-game. Most importantly, for her, you shared something.

Good luck. Remember, any questions, write the answerman@insidehoops.net.


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