I have a problem.

[BuckingColt]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

[Trace Pyott]

I'm the exact way. I almost don't enjoy the games because i am so stressed out. I just started telling myself that I shouldn't care more than the players playing. If they aren't breaking stuff and going off then why should I?

[NewColtsFan]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

 

So the question is this..................

 

Do you really -- I mean REALLY -- want tips or advice.....

 

OR......

 

Are you really hoping to hear from dozens of other Colts fans here who feel and act the exact same way you do?!?

 

I'm totally serious....

[ColtsBTM12]

I get the same way too sometimes. Being a fan can be stressful, especially when you really put you're heart into it and you're emotionally attached to the game. Only advice I have is maybe you should hit a bed or couch or something instead of your leg and/or breakable objects.

[BuckingColt]

So the question is this..................

 

Do you really -- I mean REALLY -- want tips or advice.....

 

OR......

 

Are you really hoping to hear from dozens of other Colts fans here who feel and act the exact same way you do?!?

 

I'm totally serious....

 

Honestly, probably both.

 

I've been like this since as long as I can remember. My mom offered to pay me one time so I wouldn't watch IU play at the place she works. I think my problem is I live vicariously through sports teams and if they fail, then I feel like I've failed somehow.

[BuckingColt]

I get the same way too sometimes. Being a fan can be stressful, especially when you really put you're heart into it and you're emotionally attached to the game. Only advice I have is maybe you should hit a bed or couch or something instead of your leg and/or breakable objects.

 

I just want to watch a game like a normal sane person. I've tried drinking to relax myself, but my anxiety usually cancels it out.

[ruksak]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

 It's not really that big of a deal what happens when a bunch of spoiled millionaire jocks lose a game of footsie bally. 

 

Stop being so weird. Because.....that's weird. It's a game. I don't know about you, but I've had real problems in my life that ARE worth getting upset over. 

[ruksak]

I just want to watch a game like a normal sane person. I've tried drinking to relax myself, but my anxiety usually cancels it out.

Smoke pot. I assure you, you will not be the least bit angry. 

[BuckingColt]

 It's not really that big of a deal what happens when a bunch of spoiled millionaire jocks lose a game of footsie bally. 

 

Stop being so weird. Because.....that's weird. It's a game. I don't know about you, but I've had real problems in my life that ARE worth getting upset over. 

 

And I have as well. I've been divorced, had my home broken into by my best friend, and many other painful things happen to me in the past, but for whatever reason my sports anxiety is as intense as ever.

[BuckingColt]

Smoke pot. I assure you, you will not be the least bit angry. 

 

Yeah, my job would not appreciate that.

[ruksak]

And I have as well. I've been divorced, had my home broken into by my best friend, and many other painful things happen to me in the past, but for whatever reason my sports anxiety is as intense as ever.

Huh, try to keep perspective. When the games over, keep your mind on what's actually important. 

[ruksak]

Yeah, my job would not appreciate that.

Got to your doctor. He'll hook you up. Just don't tell him you need it for football viewing. Alcohol induces rage. Don't do that.

 

Maybe some xanax or valium?

 

I don't mean to just sit here and recommend drugs, but you appear to not be able to control yourself. 

 

BTW: You certainly aren't alone. I've known many many otherwise normal people that turn all devil when they watch sports. 

[BuckingColt]

Huh, try to keep perspective. When the games over, keep your mind on what's actually important. 

 

When the games over I'm either elated or depressed. I'm worried about my behavior before and during. I've been able to mitigate my issues by boycotting live broadcasts, but I feel like I'm losing something by not being a part of the live experience. I would kill to be able to nonchalantly watch games. I envy those people.

[NewColtsFan]

Honestly, probably both.

 

I've been like this since as long as I can remember. My mom offered to pay me one time so I wouldn't watch IU play at the place she works. I think my problem is I live vicariously through sports teams and if they fail, then I feel like I've failed somehow.

 

I'll share some thoughts....   but only to offer some perspective....   I don't pretend that I have some magical solution....

 

As a former Sports Producer -- often for the 11p newscast -- I quickly figured out that having favorite teams,  whether it was the Dodgers, or Lakers, or Rams, or any other team was not good for my job.    Getting sidetracked by who was winning or losing was a distraction I couldn't afford.

 

All I cared about was if the game was good and ended on time.   That gave me time to get hi-lites edited and scripts written so you could enjoy them at home.

 

But,  since I no longer do that, I enjoy my favorite teams.   And I care whether they win or lose. 

 

But, if you can't enjoy the 3 hour game experience, then........... what's the point?!?  

 

I'm totally serious.       What's?      The?       Point?!?!?

 

I have a very close friend who is more into Stanford than I am.    He went to Stanford.   He met his ex-wife at Stanford.   Both his parents went to Stanford.     He and his family write very, very big checks to the school every year.     He's hugely invested.

 

And when Stanford plays,  he's almost physically ill.     I'm seriously worried that he's going to suffer an ulcer or high blood pressure,  or a heart attack,  or a stroke.      And for what?    

 

He -- like you -- knows he's got a big problem.    He's considering going to therapy.    But, I suspect that won't happen for a while.

 

But, you need to ask yourself......   if you really can't enjoy the experience of being a fans -- even a diehard fan -- then something is wrong and you need to change things.

 

I'm hoping you can someday get to a place where you can enjoy a game and not torture yourself.    Hey, whether they win or lose,  take your lady out for a nice meal and a drink and enjoy the night.      Finish off the night with a little romance and when you wake up the next day,  avoid the newspaper if they lose and enjoy the paper if the Colts win.

 

If being a fan isn't fun,  then it's not worth it.    I'm not kidding.    It's OK to live and die (more figure of speech than anything else)...   but it's no OK to effect the rest of your life so you can't enjoy it and your family and friends can't enjoy you......

 

Sorry,  this got a little preachy....   didn't mean for that to happen......

 

Bottom line:     you only get one pass at life....   you gotta make the most of it and enjoy yourself.    And if you can't enjoy being a Colts fan,  then fix things so you can!

 

Good luck!      

[BuckingColt]

Got to your doctor. He'll hook you up. Just don't tell him you need it for football viewing. Alcohol induces rage. Don't do that.

 

Maybe some xanax or valium?

 

I don't mean to just sit here and recommend drugs, but you appear to not be able to control yourself. 

 

BTW: You certainly aren't alone. I've known many many otherwise normal people that turn all devil when they watch sports. 

 

I've gone to the doctor for a lot for other issues, but I'm nervous about bringing this particular one up. That's sad, I know.

 

You're right, though. I really don't see a way around some kind of medical regimen.

[Coltsince4]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

Can't help you buddy, I'm the same way and worse because I'm also like that pulling for the saints to lose and worse on that one.

[BuckingColt]

I'll share some thoughts....   but only to offer some perspective....   I don't pretend that I have some magical solution....

 

As a former Sports Producer -- often for the 11p newscast -- I quickly figured out that having favorite teams,  whether it was the Dodgers, or Lakers, or Rams, or any other team was not good for my job.    Getting sidetracked by who was winning or losing was a distraction I couldn't afford.

 

All I cared about was if the game was good and ended on time.   That gave me time to get hi-lites edited and scripts written so you could enjoy them at home.

 

But,  since I no longer do that, I enjoy my favorite teams.   And I care whether they win or lose. 

 

But, if you can't enjoy the 3 hour game experience, then........... what's the point?!?  

 

I'm totally serious.       What's?      The?       Point?!?!?

 

I have a very close friend who is more into Stanford than I am.    He went to Stanford.   He met his ex-wife at Stanford.   Both his parents went to Stanford.     He and his family write very, very big checks to the school every year.     He's hugely invested.

 

And when Stanford plays,  he's almost physically ill.     I'm seriously worried that he's going to suffer an ulcer or high blood pressure,  or a heart attack,  or a stroke.      And for what?    

 

He -- like you -- knows he's got a big problem.    He's considering going to therapy.    But, I suspect that won't happen for a while.

 

But, you need to ask yourself......   if you really can't enjoy the experience of being a fans -- even a diehard fan -- then something is wrong and you need to change things.

 

I'm hoping you can someday get to a place where you can enjoy a game and not torture yourself.    Hey, whether they win or lose,  take your lady out for a nice meal and a drink and enjoy the night.      Finish off the night with a little romance and when you wake up the next day,  avoid the newspaper if they lose and enjoy the paper if the Colts win.

 

If being a fan isn't fun,  then it's not worth it.    I'm not kidding.    It's OK to live and die (more figure of speech than anything else)...   but it's no OK to effect the rest of your life so you can't enjoy it and your family and friends can't enjoy you......

 

Sorry,  this got a little preachy....   didn't mean for that to happen......

 

Bottom line:     you only get one pass at life....   you gotta make the most of it and enjoy yourself.    And if you can't enjoy being a Colts fan,  then fix things so you can!

 

Good luck!      

 

Wow. That was well worth the read. Thank you so much!

 

I'm trying to turn Sunday's into date nights.....or lunches. Just do things to get away from the game, and enjoy the wonderful relationship I have with my gf. However, being a Colts and IU fan is such a part of who I am that I don't think I could ever turn my back on them, no matter how much it impairs my mental health. I just want to arrive at a point where I can watch them play without throwing a tantrum, and being a general nuisance to everyone else in the room. Being a fan to me is worth the reward no matter how physically draining and psychologically damaging it is.

[Bluefire4]

If anybody doesn't get excited or have anxiety during a Colts game then they are not a real fan. It shouldn't avoid anyone from watching the game though. I find the anxiety thrilling and if the team losses or something bad happens, I tend to remember that it's just a game.. just entertainment. That's all I can do. It's better than chastising your "favorite team" or avoiding watching the best sport in the world.

[NewColtsFan]

A thought.......

 

Luck is likely going to play 10-12 more years.    Maybe more, who knows?

 

And, as long as he's healthy -- barring a season that the Colts don't get wiped out by injuries -- Indy should always win at least 10+ games a year and make the playoffs.

 

So.......   once you accept that they're going to win 10+ games a year (they likely won't be the 10+ that you predict)  then you ALSO know that they're going to lose 3-6 games a year.      So....   once you understand they're going to lose some,  you can hopefully watch and enjoy knowing the odds are much greater that they're going to win.    And even when they lose, well, you knew at the start of the game the team is going to lose some games during the course of the year,  so if they lose Sunday,  well,  that's just one of a number of expected losses.

 

I predicted 10-11 wins this year.    Two of those were the first two games of the year.    So, when the Colts lost to Denver and Philly to start the season,  I wasn't the least bit concerned.    One,  we didn't get killed in either loss.   Two, we lost to good teams.   And three,  it's what I expected.    I was able to relax while many here were going nuts.     I never worried for a moment.

 

Another way of looking at it.........      I'm in control of my emotions,  my emotions aren't in control of me.....

 

This way,  I'm able to enjoy the games much more....   the wins are better,  and the losses aren't as bad.

 

Just some food for thought......

[Derakynn]

Well I'm not quite that far. If we lose or I perceive that we will lose I do become pretty depressed and angry. Probably don't want to talk to me for an hour or two afterwards if you don't want snappy, short answers. But I generally seethe in my anger, just like the rest of my personality. Don't show much emotion. I usually just complain in the Colts chat and then people probably get annoyed with me, so I try to balance it out with complements and stuff. Of course I have improved. Usually if I am getting insanely angry I go pace outside or take a nap or something. Remove myself from the game. But of course Football is all I have at the moment, so that isn't much of a choice anymore. 

Technically I have gotten anger therapy over the years through playing games, raging super hard, and then offputting friends. Actually lost a few from it, but I've learned to contain myself now for fear of losing support of others. Which kind of sounds like the situation you are in right now almost. So I'd say by realizing what you are doing , you are already on your way to improving. 

[BuckingColt]

We did go 6-10 in the 01-02 season with Peyton, so anything is possible. I can't bank on predictable outcomes, because that's not true to life. Most teams don't get that luxury even with franchise QBs.

[C0LT5]

Watch the news and you'll get so depressed of what our country has come to that football won't seem as important anymore.

[The Peytonator]

My best advice....

 

Since you record games and have to confirm that we won before you watch, I'd still recommend watching the ones you know we lost. Either way you know the outcome, so the best way to confront the anxiety would be to subject yourself to it in a controlled way. If you know we lost hopefully your anxiety won't be so bad. In the future you'll be able to watch the games live and the anxiety won't be quite so bad. Just resign to the fact that not every game is a win, and things could always be worse.....you could be a Jags fan. 

 

Also I don't think the xanax/pot/booze idea would be too bad.

[akcolt]

Yeah, my job would not appreciate that.

Xanax that is your ticket you will have a script so work can't say anything and you will be chilled out for the game plus if you add a couple of beers nothing will get you too upset.

[southwest1]

We all have our own idiosyncrasies or peculiar ritualistic patterns of behavior I guess. My question is this: After you watch a game in which the Colts lose Buckingcolt, does your frustration linger or dissipate relatively quickly? Say within 45 minutes afterward for instance. I often joke that when the Colts lose it ruins my whole week, but that's not really true unless when lose a close game on a lack of concentration fumble or something like that. But, I'm not lying about my strong animosity toward the Dallas Cowboys though, but that's more of a family tradition than anything else really. 

 

I'm no medical expert or psychological specialist by trade. I admire your passion for the Indianapolis Colts sir, but I never want to see a person's health suffer as a consequence of their team loyalty & devotion either. I also would not like to see your personal relationships suffer as a result of your anguish over franchise losses as well. "I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again." There is genuine pain in that line BuckingColt & this dilemma is sadly no laughing matter. Is there a close confidant you can lean on & talk to about this issue? Have you discussed the matter with your girlfriend? What are her thoughts on the situation? I'm not trying to get too personal here or make you feel uneasy or uncomfortable...As a matter of fact, I admire the bravery it took to disclose your problem so candidly, openly, & truthfully. 

 

I know a lot of people, not necessarily you perse, who lead mundane lives with a boring job & not enough money to satisfy themselves financially who live vicariously through the success of their favorite team as if to mask other issues buried deep within their psyche. I do not think less of you as a person for being so honest with other Colts fans about your anxiety dilemma. Do you follow any other sports beyond INDY football & if so do you experience a similar anxiety attack? I'm just curious. If you record Colts games & watch them later, can you catch yourself getting upset & implement relaxation strategies to slow down your breathing & calm down? When you get excited say over a touchdown do you still throw items at the TV screen or only when INDY is having troubling scoring or turning the ball over? 

 

It probably just helps to talk about it in a friendly atmosphere of enthusiastic, diehard INDY fans Buckingcolt. Sometimes, it just feels good to release the pressure valve & let the tension out. That's what playing percussion, listening to music, & watching movies is to me my form of escape & refuge for awhile from the rigors of the world. NCF, The Peytonator, & all my friends on here game some really sound advice. Just remember: Your not a freak or monster & I sincerely hope that you & your girlfriend can find a solution to keep this issue at bay by just being patient, understanding, & knowing how to avoid triggers that make your Colts viewing experience much more enjoyable in the longrun. Goodluck BuckingColt. Easier said than done I know. 

[Tom Moroney]

Since I live in NC and the game's aren't usually aired here, unless prime-time, wait helps me is streaming 1070 the fan online.  Listening to Bob Lamey always makes everything better even our mess-up's.  That coupled with NFL.com's play-by-play, I can pace happily across my room, yelling to my delight, enjoying whatever medication you so choose.  Trust me, love Bob Lamey!!!!

[southwest1]

 things could always be worse.....you could be a Jags fan. 

Touche P-nator. Touche. Always lay out the worst case scenario to illustrate the significance of perspective. "Don't miss the forest for the trees" as a former history professor always drilled into my head. 

 

 

Bottom line: you only get one pass at life....   you gotta make the most of it and enjoy yourself.    And if you can't enjoy being a Colts fan,  then fix things so you can!

True NCF unless you believe in reincarnation & re-emerge as several different creatures in life on the waiting line for entry into paradise. Only teasing buddy!

 

I know this subject is a serious 1 naturally. I just wanted to lighten the tone a little bit. No disrespect intended toward Mr. BuckingColt with my attempt at comic relief either BTW.  

[Nadine]

feeling that much anxiety is the worst

 

I would get a therapist.  They know how to help you change the way you react to things.  change the way you think about things.

 

Good luck!

[keverton]

I'm same I broke my tv remote when ref cost. Us game against philly with horse coller call on landry it shows u love the colts like. We all do

[GwinnettColt]

I can't watch Colt's games without losing my temper(like I'll hit my leg or inanimate objects around me) and apart from that my anxiety eats me up alive. I can't eat during games and I'm just a complete nervous wreck before and during. It's gotten so bad that for the last 5 weeks I haven't watched a single game on TV - I just record them for later, but only after I see the "what's worse than being blank and blank?" thread to confirm that we won - HOWEVER I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again.

 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for handling my neurosis?

The problem may not just lie with Colts games.  Maybe it has to do things that you are emotionally attached to but cannot control.  Maybe it's something that you've struggled with for quite some time.  As far as football goes, I sometimes think if my team wins then my way of life is better than the way of life of a fan of the other team (and the other way around)....although this mindset isn't intentional.  

 

It's normal to get nervous before/during or upset when things don't go as you want them to.  Sometimes you have to step away and take some deep, long breaths.    I get on the chat room because I can vent on there along with others and my wife doesn't have to hear anything.    She's even commented on me not yelling at the television anymore.  

 

Sometimes, I just laugh.  I'll give you an example, I went to the Colts-Giants, preseason game.  I watched Indy blow a huge lead and then Ryan Nassib (third stringer) lead the Giants down the field to win.  I watched Chandler Harnish....well, I don't exactly know what he did.   And if I remember correctly, Curtis Painter threw a touchdown pass....his first one at Lucas Oil Stadium.  ha ha.   THe point is that my 10 year old son and I sat and laughed.  Watching my son laugh at my commentary during the fourth quarter reminded me that it's just a game.  

 

Try going into the game with the mindset that Indy can lose and possibly lose big or they can win big.   Try watching a series at a time and see how you do.  If it's too much, turn it off.  

 

Take care of yourself, man.

[ruksak]

Aaron Rodgers says "Relax". 

[jusbadd2]

You have to remember that it #1 is just a kids GAME. That there is going to be a winner and a loser. That you are not being paid millions to PLAY it. Notice how after the game the players are friends with guys from the other team. That win or lose you will still have to get up and take your butt to work the next day, the world goes on regardless. All that said I feel the same way as many of us do, had a friend break his t.v. over an I.U. loss I was right there cheering him on.(I miss Coach Knight)

[Kyle]

Try smoking marijuana.  Fly to Denver 1st of course...

[crazycolt1]

Maybe some professional help needs to be checked on. I have been a long time Colt-NFL fan and have been at times very emotional. I am no doctor but it seems there is more of a problem than just being a fan of any team. Football is suppose to get you away from the everyday stresses and problems not make your emotions worse. Being passionate does not mean being out of control.

[Smonroe]

A thought.......

 

Luck is likely going to play 10-12 more years.    Maybe more, who knows?

....

 

This way,  I'm able to enjoy the games much more....   the wins are better,  and the losses aren't as bad.

 

Just some food for thought......

 

About 5 years into Peyton's reign, I figured out that we're seeing something special.  From then on, I made a point of just ... enjoying it.  Win or loss, it was a fantastic time.  We got to watch maybe the greatest QB who ever played the game. 

 

Now I'm feeling the same way.  It's a special time and it's not going to last forever.  Take it in.

 

(If that doesn't work, try TM)

[pgt_rob]

I'm pretty relaxed although I have a friend who is pretty terrible to watch Colts games with.

 

Colts will do a 3 and out.... "WELP THAT'S THE BALL GAME!" Throws hat and walks out.

 

Refs don't call holding or pass interference on a Colt's player... "WHAT THE ****, THAT WAS HOLDING YOU STUPID ****!" Throws hat at TV and my dog storms off.

 

[BuckingColt]

We all have our own idiosyncrasies or peculiar ritualistic patterns of behavior I guess. My question is this: After you watch a game in which the Colts lose Buckingcolt, does your frustration linger or dissipate relatively quickly? Say within 45 minutes afterward for instance. I often joke that when the Colts lose it ruins my whole week, but that's not really true unless when lose a close game on a lack of concentration fumble or something like that. But, I'm not lying about my strong animosity toward the Dallas Cowboys though, but that's more of a family tradition than anything else really. 

 

I'm no medical expert or psychological specialist by trade. I admire your passion for the Indianapolis Colts sir, but I never want to see a person's health suffer as a consequence of their team loyalty & devotion either. I also would not like to see your personal relationships suffer as a result of your anguish over franchise losses as well. "I did attend the Baltimore game, and now I think my girlfriend never wants to attend a sporting event with me again." There is genuine pain in that line BuckingColt & this dilemma is sadly no laughing matter. Is there a close confidant you can lean on & talk to about this issue? Have you discussed the matter with your girlfriend? What are her thoughts on the situation? I'm not trying to get too personal here or make you feel uneasy or uncomfortable...As a matter of fact, I admire the bravery it took to disclose your problem so candidly, openly, & truthfully. 

 

I know a lot of people, not necessarily you perse, who lead mundane lives with a boring job & not enough money to satisfy themselves financially who live vicariously through the success of their favorite team as if to mask other issues buried deep within their psyche. I do not think less of you as a person for being so honest with other Colts fans about your anxiety dilemma. Do you follow any other sports beyond INDY football & if so do you experience a similar anxiety attack? I'm just curious. If you record Colts games & watch them later, can you catch yourself getting upset & implement relaxation strategies to slow down your breathing & calm down? When you get excited say over a touchdown do you still throw items at the TV screen or only when INDY is having troubling scoring or turning the ball over? 

 

It probably just helps to talk about it in a friendly atmosphere of enthusiastic, diehard INDY fans Buckingcolt. Sometimes, it just feels good to release the pressure valve & let the tension out. That's what playing percussion, listening to music, & watching movies is to me my form of escape & refuge for awhile from the rigors of the world. NCF, The Peytonator, & all my friends on here game some really sound advice. Just remember: Your not a freak or monster & I sincerely hope that you & your girlfriend can find a solution to keep this issue at bay by just being patient, understanding, & knowing how to avoid triggers that make your Colts viewing experience much more enjoyable in the longrun. Goodluck BuckingColt. Easier said than done I know. 

 

My frustration definitely lingers. I pretty much swear off ESPN or any media outlet for the entire week. Hearing about a loss or watching our team struggle is triggering. The Eagles game inspired me to stop watching altogether, because I knew it was time to take control. Actually, the 2006 AFC Championship should have been a wake-up call since I ended up shattering the glass on our front door. I remember doing it after Peyton's pick-6. I got up to slam our front door and I did it so hard that the glass shattered and my hands went through it. I was cut up and bleeding for the remainder of the game, so I couldn't really enjoy the comeback as thoroughly as everyone else. The bloodletting did calm me down, however...

 

My best friend knows how I get, but he has no interests in sports, so he can't really relate. He loves the World Cup and that's really it. If I try to watch football with him he'll troll me by complaining about how football is so stop and go. He thinks I should just give up watching games altogether, but it's easy as a non-fan for him to have that position. My girlfriend is aware of my issues, and she gets frustrated by it at times. For example, I was watching the replay of the Bengals game knowing we won and I was still getting * off, and she yelled at me for acting out, since the result wasn't in doubt. I agree with her that I was acting ridiculous. I think she loves me regardless of my idk what to call it 'sickness', maybe? She just wants me to act civilized in public...which I'm demonstrably incapable of. 

 

I'm a major IU fan, and historically I've been worse during IU basketball games. When I was younger I use to punch holes in the walls of my room, one time I threw my computer chair down the stairs, and during a game at Minnesota where we blew a 20 point half-time lead I kicked my vcr so hard that I broke it. I do have a mundane job, but it pays well. We are both doing well financially, though I do have anxiety issues over that as well, because it's just in my nature to worry. It's like I know giving up sports would be the ultimate way to resolve this particular issue and probably give myself some peace of mind, but it's so ingrained in the fabric of who I am, that I feel I'd be amputating a part of my soul to do so.

[IndyD4U]

Do you sit in the corner, rocking back and forth, while talking to yourself in tongue?

[BuckingColt]

Do you sit in the corner, rocking back and forth, while talking to yourself in tongue?

 

No, but I have spider-walked backwards down the stairs and twisted my neck all the way around.

[Dark Superman]

I get like that too!

That's part of being a fan.