My husband is not unique. He is like many guys in this country (and probably the world) in that he loves sports. Of course, he has his personal favorites, but really any sport will do. Although I am not particularly athletic, and wish he enjoyed the arts a bit more, I do appreciate his passion for all things played with a ball.

I guess on the upside, he’s no couch potato - only watching his sport on TV. He still plays on a softball team. This is, in fact, one of the things he looks forward to the most in summer. I struggle to understand the fascination especially when you consider that where we live, the summer months are unbearably hot. I think it makes him feel young again. Like drinking a mythical potion to return youth and vitality. It’s magic watching him during a game

I suppose as long as you know what your body is capable of, the exercise is all upside. Goodness knows, working in an office is a sedentary situation and while you are just sitting there hardly moving, the stress builds with deadlines and dealing with an impatient boss. Getting outside gets him much needed fresh air and perhaps the slightest tan.

What I like the best is that our kids have a great role model in their father. We happen to have 2 daughters but my husband treats them no differently than he would a boy when it comes to sports. I have to admit that neither of them have cottoned to softball but we do have an avid basketball player and the other has joined the school’s volleyball team. Team participation brings about a better perspective on life and great coping skills they can use in whatever direction their life leads them.

There are some guys who’d rather sell just about everything the own before they gave up their cable with all the sports channels and sports events that come with it. Now my husband isn’t quite that bad but he would be miserable if he had to give it up. But I don’t care - it seems to make him happy so what’s the harm.

Would I fall in love with my sports fanatic all over again? You bet. He’s generous and a role model for our daughters and with all that exercise, still easy on the eyes. Oh, and one more benefit is I never struggle trying to decide what to give him as a gift. There are so many sports themed gifts that end up just being the perfect gift. So much better than a pen for Father’s day and Christmas!