GREENSBORO, N.C. — College basketball fans, it's the Final Four weekend, and chances are you'll be watching with a crew of friends — some of whom might be cheering for the other team. Here's how to navigate the friendly (but fierce) competition and have a slam-dunk good time.
Good-natured ribbing is part of the fun. The key is to keep it light and not make it personal. You can joke about mascots and make friendly wagers on pizza – the kind of banter that keeps things fun. Also, pointing out good shots of the opposing team doesn’t mean you’re not loyal to your team. It shows that you’re objective. Remember that you're there to enjoy the game, not to get into a grudge match.
Reading the room will let you know when things get a little tense and the energy shifts. Watch your friends' body language. Are they silent, clenching fists? Are they no longer laughing at your quips? Are they talking to someone else and ignoring you? Are they pulling away? If you notice negative changes in their body language, then maybe that's your cue to lighten the mood.
If you notice tension, grab some snacks during the next commercial break, predict the next play, or talk about something different. Or, as the saying goes, you can call the elephant in the room and mention that you're noticing the tension and would like to calm the waters. Sometimes, acknowledging the situation can be helpful because it shows that you're in tune with your friends.
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