Getting the Wife to Love Strat-O-Matic

There’s nothing better than rolling a few games of Strat-O-Matic baseball after a long, hard day at the office.  Unfortunately, the wife doesn’t share these pursuits because “you” are her hobby.

The wife, in fact, provides one of the greatest obstacles to playing Strat-O-Matic.  Complaining about the time, expense, or both, she often interferes with the various Strat-O-Matic projects or draft leagues that all of us enjoy.

Strat-O-Matic or the wife?  It’s not that simple, unless caring about the game ranks so highly in your universe that you’re willing to sleep alone at night.

To put it another way, getting the wife sympathetic to your Strat-O-Matic pursuits or even involved in the hobby to a certain extent (like buying card sets for you!!) makes a lot of sense in the long run.  You’ll have more fun playing the games and you won’t have to deal with a mate who feels slighted by the activity.

Take a deep breath here.  This is going to require some work on your part.  Call it one of those relationship thingies.  You have to put in considerable time and effort to sway her to your side in this matter.

TALK TO HER – Women love men who talk to them, basically listen to anything and everything they have to say.  You can’t expect your wife to understand the Strat-O-Matic passion if you don’t take an interest in her life.

EXPLAIN YOUR NEEDS – Try sitting down with the wife and explaining why Strat-O-Matic means so much to you.  She may think of Strat-O-Matic as only a game, whereas for you, it’s a passion that occupies a significant part of your life. 

TELEVISION – You don’t necessarily have to watch every Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball game.  Frankly, I’m not even sure if anyone would want to do such a thing.  Have a television time for the two of you, with a channel that has something of interest to both parties.  Try a night or two a week.  Call it movie night, and if it’s a bad horrible romantic comedy, just smile and think about playing Strat-O-Matic until it’s over.  

DATING STUFF – Women like to know that you’re thinking about them, even after years of marriage.  Start doing some of the things that you did when you were trying to get her interested in the first place.  Flowers, notes, small gifts, maybe even just a phone call for no reason…  These things go a long way in keeping a relationship healthy.

ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES – Your wife won’t mind the Strat-O-Matic hobby as long as it doesn’t interfere with other household issues – whether mowing the grass or taking out the trash.  Moderation goes a long way.  Take care of the household obligations, or your wife’s emotional needs, before you play Strat-O-Matic.  You’ll find that she’s more receptive regarding rolling the dice once you support and meet her needs.

ANNIVERSARIES – Often, women don’t care about the gift inasmuch as the thought behind it.  Think about it.  How long does it take your wife to pick out a greeting card?  5 minutes?  10 minutes?  Whereas men pick up the first or second thing they see on the rack, women find hidden meaning in presents and gifts, even from the simplest card.  Buying that special Christmas present, one that has an intrinsic meaning for her, identifies you as a sensitive and caring person, which, in turn, provides more time for Strat-O-Matic.

THE ROMANTIC GETAWAY – Find a “Bed and Breakfast” place near you.  Take the wife there.  Spend some time enjoying the sights, perhaps find an intimate restaurant for a memorable dinner.  You’ll have a lot of Strat-O-Matic time during the next weekend.

THE FINANCIAL NEST EGG – Think what those card sets will be worth in thirty years.  Tell the wife that these Strat-O-Matic sets appreciate dramatically over the years.  You’re not just playing a game.  You’re making an investment for the future.  Show her a couple of auction results from eBay if she needs proof.  My wife always loves the fact that I enjoy shopping for antiques with her.  The same principle holds here.  You’re buying something that you enjoy, and a product that will not decline in value, ever!! 

EXPLORING THE INTERNET – The wife may not understand that Strat-O-Matic finds acceptance in many parts of society, not just the sporting world.  Browsing the Internet, looking at all the various forums and groups devoted to the game, may help your wife understand that this hobby is much more than a whimsical way of spending time.

GO SLOW – Don’t make a whole list and barrage your wife when trying to convince her about the inherent goodness of Strat-O-Matic.  This is the easiest way to put her on the defensive.  Subtle, yet well-placed hints and tidbits of information can break down her defensive barriers.  Think Strat-O-Matic football here.  Go for a few linebucks and short passes before throwing deep.  Women are smarter than us, and trying to convince them all at once about the greatness of Strat-O-Matic doesn’t work.  Women need to see the friendship and emotional side of the game, not the mechanical workings or statistical accompaniment.

In my case, I tried all of these methods, some of which found more success than others, but after about ten months, I was rolling the dice whenever I wanted.  The wife was happy, too, if for no other particular reason that I was keeping my mouth shut when watching "When Harry Met Sally" for the tenth time.