As a student athlete, let’s face it—you’re awesome. Everyday you’re either at practice sweating and working that toned body or you’re in the classroom working and sweating that calc final. You have a full schedule, a nagging coach and a bio exam coming up next Tuesday causing you to get stress pimples (Weren’t those supposed to stop in high school?). Even with a full schedule, you wouldn’t mind sharing these awesome years with a sexy significant other, even if it takes a lot of coordination.
Don’t Be Embarrassed to Sweat
For any sport, sweat is unavoidable. Whether you’re running sprints, lifting weights or walking up the stairs to class (why are there so many?), there most likely will be some less-than-sexy sweat marks on your shirt. Because perspiration is a part of your life, choose someone who isn’t afraid to make your sweat a part of his life, too. If you can’t go to the gym in your Lululemon light grey t-shirt and work out with him without feeling self-conscious, he isn’t the right man for you. Remember: Sweaty is sexy.
You’re Beautiful Even on Your No Makeup, Hair-in-a-bun, Sweatpants Day
Sometimes there are more important things in life than bronze and curled hair, like a nap or that beautiful California burrito with french fries and guacamole. Actually, makeup is hardly ever a priority for school. It takes so long and there’s no way to rush winged eyeliner and have it still look Beyoncé levels of flawless. Plus, after a long day at practice, how great does it feel to just sit on the couch with your Nike sweatpants on and your hair pulled back in a tousled mess? If the guy you’re talking to doesn’t understand your need for comfort, he’s not worthy of your sexy athletic self. The hair buns and sweats are a packaged deal. Take it or leave it.
A Shared Passion of Food Is a Must
There’s more to the world than frat guys and the playoffs. In fact, there’s always that one thing you can’t get off your mind: food. Whether it’s 6:30 a.m. or 11:30 p.m., the need for sustenance is necessary. And let’s be real; you know you’re grabbing at least five rolled tacos with extra cheese or making late night ice cream runs. You may be thinking about asking if any of your roommates want to get some food right now. If your man is uncomfortable with the fact that you can eat more than him, maybe he isn’t the right guy. You’re an athlete; you need to fuel your body constantly, so don’t feel embarrassed about the amount of food you can down on the daily. Find a man who can match your love for carne asada and loves your healthy appetite.
He Needs To Understand You Are Very Busy
The only thing that makes an extremely busy schedule tougher is having a boyfriend who complains about never being able to see you. Athlete boyfriends who also have full schedules are sometimes the best option because they understand you have workouts and practices, and will appreciate any time they get to spend with you, even if that means falling asleep on the couch five minutes into a movie. Don’t let a man make you feel guilty because you need time to study for your trig test or have a three hour practice when he wants to hang out. If he really is the boy for you, he’ll enjoy seeing you line up your priorities straight.
He Needs to Support You as an Athlete
Being an athlete in college means undergoing enormous pressure from your teachers, coaches and parents (basically everyone) about your sport as well as your grades. A partner who supports you as you pursue your dreams can help relieve some of that pressure. A loving, caring boyfriend will want to see you do as well as you can in all areas of life. He’ll hold your hand through the losses and be there to celebrate the wins. If you feel like you haven’t met “the one” yet or worry about how long it may take you to find him, don’t stress—someone will appreciate your athletic sexiness soon enough.
