From Waiting to Believing — Love Beyond the Bleachers

They say love lasts long when you're being seen, being able to express yourself freely without having to worry about being judged, and most importantly being supported for doing the things you love the most.

Hello dear Hivers! In this blog, I want to share with you the little moments that are so special for me. I want to share how much I made sure that my boyfriend gets to have the support system he needs in every step of doing his passion and love for sports.

It may seem a little cliché but for me it's these little moments that matter the most. Before, I never really liked athletic men for I believed that sports would become a hinder in our relationship. I always thought that they would be busy in their practices and games that they would lack time for me.

My love language is quality time so that’s why I always think that way. I don't like to share the time I have with my boyfriend because I want him to focus only on me. That’s how toxic I was before.

Everything changed when he came into my life. When he didn't make me feel like I'm in competition with his time. He always made sure to take time for me. And that even though he's busy, he doesn't make me feel like he is. He always made sure to make me feel included in his life.

It wasn't that easy at first until something inside me decided to change myself for the better. I realized that not everything is about me and that love shouldn't make my significant other's world revolve around me. And so, I changed. I don't remember how it started or how it happened, but I did.

I just showed up whenever he had games, I showed him my full support and made sure he felt it. I let him do his daily practices and reminded him every time to take a rest. Little by little, I learned that love is not about controlling someone or making them choose between me and the things they are passionate about. Love is giving them the freedom to grow and at the same time being there with them while they are chasing their goals.

At first, sitting in the bleachers or waiting for him to finish practice felt awkward for me because I wasn’t used to that. I used to think of all the things I could do instead of waiting. But then I realized, those moments I spend watching him play or cheering for him were actually moments that mattered too. His smile whenever he sees me in the crowd, the way his eyes light up knowing I am there, it gives me the kind of happiness I never thought I would feel before.

I began to understand how important support is for someone who is working hard for their dream. Even if it looks like a small thing for us, like clapping or shouting their name, it already means so much for them. I witnessed how his confidence grew every time I was there. He played better, he became more motivated, and he told me that my support makes him feel stronger. That’s when I realized that being a girlfriend is not just about being sweet or spending dates together, it is also about being the loudest cheerleader when he needs one.

There were also times when he would get tired and frustrated. He would go home from practice all sweaty and exhausted. Before, I would probably get annoyed because that meant less time for me. But now, I look at him and see how much effort he puts in for the things he loves. I learned to admire his dedication and instead of asking for more of his time, I learned to comfort him, give him the space he needs, or just remind him to rest and eat properly. It feels nice knowing that I am not a distraction for him, but someone who actually helps him move forward.

Slowly, my mindset changed from being selfish to being more understanding. I realized that quality time is not measured by how many hours we spend together but by how genuine and meaningful those moments are. Even if he is busy, as long as we give time for each other no matter how short, it already makes me happy. Our late-night talks after his practice, or even the simple walks home after his games, those became the memories I treasure the most.

Looking back, I feel thankful that I chose to change myself. If I stayed the same, maybe our relationship wouldn’t be this strong. I could have ended up pushing him away just because I couldn’t accept that he had something important aside from me. But now, I understand that loving someone means loving every part of them, including the things they are passionate about.

Of course, I still have those moments when I feel a little jealous of the time he spends with sports. I’m not perfect and I don’t think I’ll ever stop feeling that sometimes. But the difference now is I know how to handle it. Instead of nagging or complaining, I choose to turn that jealousy into motivation to support him even more. Because at the end of the day, he always comes back to me, and he always makes me feel like I am never less important.

I think the best lesson I can share is to never see your partner’s passion as a rival. Instead, be a part of it. Show up, support them, and be their safe place. Relationships are not about keeping your partner’s attention on you all the time, it’s about growing together and pushing each other to become the best version of yourselves.

So now, every time I watch him run in the field, score points, or even just practice under the hot sun, I don’t feel neglected anymore. I feel proud. Proud that I am beside someone who loves what he does and proud that I learned to love him not only as my boyfriend but also as the athlete he is.

Love is not just about dates, flowers, and sweet words. Love is also about patience, understanding, and support. It is about choosing your partner every day and letting them be who they are. Because love shouldn't make you lose the parts of you that makes you you.

That’s all for my blog. Thank you for reading my story. I hope somehow it reminds you that little moments of support and understanding can make a relationship last longer. It is never about perfection, but about choosing to grow and love in every step of the way.