She Can Keep the House, Just Leave Me My Playstation II & John Madden
By The MACK, special to thePFL.com

Now that itÕs time for most leagues to start or maybe your just preparing for nationals, I though I would share a few thoughts with you. ÒHow to keep your loves ones satisfied and keep your happy home.Ó Let me first start off by saying that I am in no way an expert in marriage counseling or mate psychology. But I do claim eighteen years of experience in marital bliss with two kids, oneÕs a teenager. I am also a Madden-a-holic at age 45 (once a man / twice a child).

Step #1. DonÕt expect your mate to understand why you are so intrigue with John Madden or to use their terminology, Òthat Video GameÓ. Because trying to get them to understand J.M. is like trying to make you understand why they cry watching Victor on THE YOUNG AND RESTLESS or why it is necessary to spend all day getting your hair, nail and toes done. DONÕT GO THERE !!!! Better yet, try to get them to develop an appreciation for the challenge the game presents. Try this, stop hogging the joystick and share. There are several Playstation I & II games that may be of interest to your mate. Games that challenge the mind such as the questions on ÒWho Wants to be A MillionaireÓ, to fun games as simple as Frogger. DonÕt just buy it, toss it and then lock yourself in the room with the Madden Strategy Guide. Take the time to play a few rounds with your mate and kids, you may even like it! ----NOT!!! The point is, sharing and not isolating. You both share the television donÕt you ? That doesnÕt mean youÕve got to like the same shows. WELL !!!!

Step # 2. The Honey Due List. DonÕt avoid it... devour it. ItÕs your blueprint to success. When you think about it, itÕs not what your mate wants from you....itÕs when she wants it. Timing is key to a long relationship. Not what you say but when to say it. If you know you have a scrimmage or league night coming up do your duty first, GET IT OVER WITH. In the P.F.L. we call it Ògetting a passÓ. Would you allow your child to go out and play before they did their homework ? Remember Òtwice a childÓ, DUE THE LIST !!!

Step #3. SEEING IS BELIEVING. Every league should have a family night. In the P.F.L. itÕs the night we traditionally give out our awards and joke and have a grand time. Afterwards we get it on, Live ! The beauty of this event it gives our mates a chance to see the character of the guys weÕre spending so much of their time with. They get a chance to network with other madden widows and share there side comments on their big men acting like little boys. My wife came once, brought the kids, haven't been back since. She said Ò itÕs too boringÓ oh well ! I got my PASS !

In conclusion, if all of the above doesnÕt work with your particular mate, and I admit one size does not fit all, than I have no choice your Honor than to revert back to my opening statement.... ÒSHE CAN KEEP THE HOUSE, JUST LEAVE ME MY PLAYSTATION II & JOHN MADDENÓ

Antonio M. Womack, ÒThe MackÓ is a founding member of the P.F.L. and often shares his views and thoughts on the World of Madden. Check out his previous article ÒFor The Love of the GameÓ

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