How to Date a Professional Athlete & Still Be Their #1

Everyone has a type, and for some people, that type is a ridiculously fit and ripped athlete. Whether you’ve set your eyes on a professional footballer at the top of their game or a gymnast who’s found new bounds of flexibility, you need to know how to score (excuse the pun).

Athletes are a busy bunch, often wrapped up in their sport with not an awful lot of time left for much else. But that’s not to say they don’t date! It’s more about understanding the way athletes operate and learning how to make yourself a top priority in their life, or at least a very close second to their passion.

Rules for Dating a Pro Athlete

Dating a professional athlete isn’t like dating an office worker. The lifestyle is different, the working hours are different, and the effect their work has on their personal life is different.

Many athletes don’t have time to waste with people who don’t understand their world or aren’t the right fit for their unique lifestyle. So, here are some rules for dating professional athletes.

#1 Play it Cool

Professional athletes are surrounded by adoring fans wherever they go. While this is surely flattering, they don’t want someone who’s going to fawn over them behind closed doors, too.

Even if you think they’re the greatest athlete of all time, remember they’re much more than that. They’re a complex person who has other interests and aspirations outside of their career, too. That’s the person you should want to be dating, not the professional sports star persona.

Sophia Pierson, who used to date Dutch footballer Denzel Slager, says: “Don’t treat them like they’re a big somebody because we’re all somebodies. We all have great things to offer. I would just say, be cool.”

#2 Be Your Own Person

Many athletes are going to be big personalities. They have a career that they’re incredibly focused on and a tonne of commitments that come with that. In order to keep up with them, their lifestyle, and their friends, you need to be your own person.

Before you go chasing after your own Olympic champion or Premier League baller, you need to know who you are, what your hobbies are, and where you’re heading in life.

Not only does this make you a much more interesting person, but it also makes you a more attractive dating prospect to a successful athlete. If you have your own career and goals, they know you’re not only with them for the status or lifestyle they can provide.

#3 Work Through Your Trust Issues

There’s a lot of attention that surrounds professional athletes, especially those involved in popular sports like football or Formula 1. This can easily become a breeding ground for jealousy, resentment, and a fractious relationship if you’re not careful.

Before you think about jumping into a relationship with a high-profile athlete, you need to make sure you’ve worked through any trust issues you have from previous relationships.

Of course, in the right relationship, you should be able to trust your partner implicitly, but this is going to be strained if they play in the big leagues and there’s temptation around every corner.

Kendra Cherry, MSEd, a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, says: “Without trust—especially trust between two romantic partners—it is difficult to have a healthy, long-lasting relationship”.

#4 Be Loyal

Being loyal is at the heart of any strong relationship, but it’s even more crucial when dating a professional athlete. They’re often in the limelight, frequently travelling and surrounded by a myriad of people, including fans, managers, teammates, and media personnel.

Loyalty from their significant other provides a solid foundation of trust and reassurance amidst this whirlwind. 

Your unwavering loyalty supports them emotionally, making them feel secure and loved irrespective of the distance or time apart. It also enhances your relationship’s credibility in the public eye.

How to Meet a Professional Athlete

Meeting a professional athlete is quite different from meeting an everyday individual. For starters, their lifestyle is often fast-paced, and they’re constantly on the move due to their training schedules, competitions, and travel obligations.

This means that you have to adjust your technique when looking to meet a professional athlete. Here are some of our top tips for meeting a professional athlete.

#1 Attend Sporting Events

Attending sporting events is one of the most effective ways of increasing your chance of meeting a professional athlete. It’s not only a platform for them to showcase their skills and talent but also a social atmosphere where they interact with their fans and peers.

By being part of the crowd, you not only get the opportunity to watch them in action but there’s also the potential for direct interaction. Whether it’s an autograph signing session or a casual encounter at a post-match gathering, these events provide ample opportunities to initiate a conversation that could lead to a budding relationship.

Remember, it’s all about being genuine and respectful of their space. While it may seem a bit daunting, don’t shy away from expressing your admiration for their work ethic and achievements – it could be the spark that ignites a connection.

#2 Get Involved in Sports

Becoming actively involved in sports, either by playing, working, or volunteering, is another avenue to meet a professional athlete. This provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in their world and understand the discipline, commitment, and passion that goes into their profession.

Some of the best ways to get involved in sports include:Taking up a sportVolunteering with sports clubsGetting a job working with a sports clubGetting a job in a sports-adjacent field such as photography, PR, or marketingWork with sports charities to set up events with sports stars

Remember that the most important thing is to be genuine in your interactions. Athletes, like anyone else, appreciate authenticity.

#3 Use Social Media

Social media platforms are an excellent way to connect with professional athletes. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages are often, in part, managed by athletes themselves, providing a direct line of communication.

Keep your interactions respectful and genuine, and remember that athletes are people, too, with interests beyond their sport.

#4 Use Dating Apps

Dating apps such as Finding The One are tailored to your unique interests to help match you with compatible singles, which includes professional athletes.

When setting up your profile, you have the opportunity to specify your interests, hobbies, lifestyle preferences, and specific attributes you’re seeking in a partner. The intelligent matching algorithms of Finding The One use this information to identify potential matches that align with your preferences.

If you’re interested in dating a professional athlete, you can specify this in your profile. The app will then prioritise showing profiles of singles who are athletes.

Additionally, you can use the app’s search filters to narrow down profiles by profession, making the process of finding a professional athlete for a potential relationship more efficient and personalised.

The Realities of Dating a Pro Athlete

Dating a professional athlete is different from dating a non-famous person. Challenges include their high-profile career, media attention, and busy schedules. Frequent travel and erratic timings are also common. Of course, with the intense public scrutiny, you need to have a thick skin.

Despite the challenges, dating a professional athlete brings unique rewards – supporting their dreams and sharing a lifestyle few experience. It’s not for everyone, but for those who navigate the challenges, it’s an adventure like no other. 

Here are some of the realities of dating a pro athlete.

Be Prepared to Attend Charity Events

Professional athletes are often invited to numerous charity events due to their high-profile status. They may endorse causes, participate in fundraising activities, or spearhead charitable initiatives. This commitment to philanthropy is commendable but can impact your relationship due to their packed schedule.

As the partner of a professional athlete, you may attend more charity events than ever before. It’s an exciting opportunity to engage with the community, meet new people, and support worthwhile causes. 

However, it also means sacrificing weekends or free evenings and spending time in front of cameras and press, which can be an adjustment.

Travelling Isn’t Always Glamourous

While travelling with a professional athlete may seem glamorous on Instagram, the reality is often different. They travel for work – games, training, or promotional activities. Their schedules are packed, and priorities are focused on performance. Jet lag is an issue affecting training and performance.

As their partner, you’ll need to learn to adjust and be as supportive of them as possible. Trips aren’t always to exotic resorts but to smaller towns or cities with corporate hotels. They require understanding, patience, and adaptation to a different rhythm of life.

There Will Always Be People Vying for Their Attention

Dating a professional athlete means dating a public figure, which comes with its own challenges. They have a significant fan following, which can be overwhelming. As their partner, you’ll often share them with their adoring fans.

This can be daunting and lead to jealousy or insecurity. Remember that fans admire your partner’s professional persona, but they don’t share the intimate bond you have. Navigate these situations with grace, understanding, and trust. Communicate openly about any discomfort and establish boundaries for both of you to be comfortable.

Find Your Professional Athlete With Finding The One

Dating a professional athlete can be a thrilling journey filled with unique experiences and challenges. It involves understanding their lifestyle, supporting their dreams, and respecting their commitment to their sport.

Start your fairytale romance with your athlete prince by signing up for Finding The One dating app to meet your potential match.

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