We pray. We sit in the same spot as last time. We do every superstition right. But something happens: a bad outing! Maybe only a run or two or maybe he get's lit up. (God forbid!) Let's face it. This happens and it sucks.
My question is, when faced with this circumstance what does one do? You act positive and say "you'll get 'em next time!" he says "no, I won't!" and then the circle starts.
For me I have found that I say something positive then step back. Yes, I am a baseball wife, but really what do I know about stepping out there on the mound and actually pitching? Not too darn much! I couldn't throw a strike if the zone was the size of an Uhaul! For real y’all – I couldn’t!
I always want to be encouraging and supportive, but sometimes it is hard. Stepping out of the situation and changing the subject has really helped our after-game relationship. Believe me keeping my mouth shut has proved to be a lot harder than I expected it to be. As much as I want to say it will be okay and it will be better next time. Really, I have no idea what is going to happen or if there will be a next time. Baseball is one really crazy circle of uncertainty sprinkled with gems of huge excitement and opportunity. We take the bad and are grateful for the good. Nothing makes it any easier. Being supportive without overstepping my boundaries is something I struggle with everyday. Something I strive to get better at and something I know is necessary to maintain a healthy marriage.
I feel like I could have written this post myself, I relate so well! I think the most important thing for me is that after I've said something to let him know that I support my boyfriend and I'm there for him, I have to leave it at that and know that he'll come to me if he wants to talk about it. If he doesn't I have to let it go and like you, talk about something...ANYTHING else! It is pretty rare that my boyfriend does come to me when he has a bad game but when he does I think he knows he can come to me to talk about it. It's a LOT easier to say than do, though. It feels awful when I know he's frustrated with himself and disappointed and there is nothing I can do about it. But that's just it, there's nothing I can do about it but let him know I'm there if he needs me.
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