Dear women,

The weekend is here, and as usual, your partners will likely be gathering with their friends to watch their favourite teams play.

This routine will continue for the next 36 weeks as long as the English Premier League is on, not to mention when the Champions League kicks off.

These meet-ups are full of banter, harsh words, and some actions that you might have never seen your partner portraying.

Eric Njoroge explains that men often hesitate to invite their partners to watch games because it can limit their ability to speak freely.

"For me, it's difficult to invite my partner because I feel restricted in how much I can say, especially during banter with rival team fans. Football is both unifying and divisive at the same time," he says.

Njoroge notes that during their banter, there are no boundaries to what they say, so if his partner chimes in, it can be challenging to respond with the same intensity without risking hurt feelings.

He emphasizes that it's important for his partner to show interest in what he loves and the team he supports, but she shouldn't make it her priority.

"Watching the match involves a lot of screaming and shouting at the television, which might make her uncomfortable. Plus, there might be a female friend in the group, which could lead to issues later," he adds laughing.

Njoroge also highlights the benefit of having basic knowledge of football if she does get invited, though it's not necessary all the time.

"When she has basic knowledge, it helps her blend in, so she won't be bored during conversations. This also allows the boys to have healthy competition as they try to outshine each other," he notes.

He adds that sometimes, after his team has lost, he might have received the banter from his peers and will be in a foul mood, and it's usually good to come back home knowing very well he will get the support he very much needs.

I guess it might be time for the women to find a way to fill up their weekends in the absence of their men who will be glued on the screens.

May the best team (ahem Arsenal) win!

Why men don't invite their wives, girlfriends, to EPL watch parties

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Muthoni Wanjiku