Kelly

It's October, and for the sports fans among us males, it means a whole bunch of stuff.

There is the NFL (yes, we love that too), plus our own premier league has started up with a new look and a new name. For the baseball lovers, the playoffs are under way with the World Series, scheduled for later. Throw in the NBA which is about to get going and the English Premier League is in full swing. The Champions League and UEFA Cup also add to the football list of things to watch. Long and short of it all, there's just no time to watch them all.

So therein lies my dilemma of deciding what to watch. Mind you, it's not a dilemma of catastrophic proportions, but it's merely a matter of prioritising which game I feel like watching at that time.

On a universal note, the matter of prioritising has always been a troublesome one, especially for men. Do I go with her to her great-grandaunt's funeral or do I take in the game with the guys? You know you're in a no-win situation. Go to the funeral and you're bored to death. Stay and enjoy the game and you're in the proverbial dog house. Then again, depending on the relationship she had with her aunt (or whatever relative you've never met) even the dog might be feeling pretty good, in comparison.

Other scenarios for men I'm sure you've heard of include whether you should be planning your bachelor party on the same day she wanted you to help pick the colours for the wedding. Or how about going off with the guys to your bingo or domino night when her side of the family was hosting a reunion, so she ends up there by herself? All this adds up to your spending a few days on the couch. Get your pillows ready, fellows.

The truth is, family comes first, even if you never met the aunt and have no intention of shedding any tears. If at least to show support to your wife, go. If the company you run is not going bankrupt or involved in a hostile take-over, your child's first game should see you in attendance. Too often, persons get caught up in their careers and don't spend enough time for family. I know we've all heard of persons near death or sitting forlorn in a nursing home somewhere, mumbling that they never made time for those with whom they share DNA. And this goes for everybody, not just the male of the species.

Prioritise with me at daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com

Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. - contributed