Feeling down after travelling abroad to watch my football team lose twice

LegacyUser · 29-10-2018 05:26PM #1

Right, so I know this issue will probably sound a bit ridiculous compared to other serious personal issues, but I'm feeling down anyway and thought id seek advice. So my Dad, who is in his 60s, has supported a certain famous football team from Manchester all his life. I'm in my late twenties and I've supported them too since I was a kid, thanks to the influence of my Dad.

Growing up, we went together frequently to the pub to watch matches, or we watched them at home. However, I come from a (relatively) poor background so we could never afford to go over and watch a match in Manchester. That's changed since I've developed a career in my 20s, so I've been able to take my dad to Old Trafford twice to watch our team this year.

Unfortunately, though, both matches we went to see at Old Trafford were two of the worst performances I've seen Man Utd play in. The first was last March when they lost to Sevilla and the second was last Tuesday when they lost again and played poorly again.

I guess I just feel pretty down because of the bad luck of choosing two poor performances and two losses. I have a tendency to take a glass half empty approach to most things in life, and I guess I just feel like life is against me and my family sometimes. Not only that, but it's bloody expensive to watch them due to high transport costs and accommodation, so it feels like bad luck compounded.

All I wanted was to take my Da to see a decent performance and a win by the team we're both mad about, yet I happened to pick two God-awful matches. I feel like nobody else in my position would ever be this unlucky. And with him in his mid-60s and being diabetic, well, who knows if I'll ever get to see a win and enjoyable match with him.

I guess my issue isn't so much about football as it is about negative ways of thinking. I should probably grateful at even getting the chance to watch my team at Old Trafford not once but twice. But as usual, I'm being overly negative about it.

Can anyone offer some perspective on this? I know I should probably cop on but I think this is just more about bad thinking habits.

zapper55 · 29-10-2018 06:35PM

I'd say your dad was thrilled and so proud that he could go see them twice. I know they lost but what amazing memories to have. Myself and my dad get along grand but don't have such a shared interest unfortunately.

Im not going to tell u to cop on. If you are feeling sad you are feeling sad. No matter the reason. If you are that down about it maybe it's because of other things bothering you. Would you try journaling to figure it out?

Bubbaclaus · 29-10-2018 06:37PM

Surely a windup posting this in personal issues

Sienna5050 · 29-10-2018 06:42PM

gosh if that was all my troubles,,,,,yes perspective ,,everyone is entitiled to hurt but............sorry

KathleenGrant · 29-10-2018 06:42PM

I think your disappointment is because you had done all this for your dad and they didn't win so you feel let down. Don't be that way. If my son/daughter brought me to something I loved but only dreamed about I would be still thrilled and proud of them for such a thoughtful gift.
OP it looks like they were champions league matches you went to. They costs hundreds per ticket. Would you not go to an ordinary league game which would cost less and more do-able.

Perspective: money can't buy thoughtfulness and memories. Do you think your Dad only cared about the loss or will cherish the atmosphere of finally seeing the team he loved play.

ForestFire · 29-10-2018 06:52PM

Try supporting a proper team, that has spent years in championship and league 1, and you'll get some perspective :-)

There is truth in what I said above, But to be a bit more serious, you are supporting your team through the good times and the bad times (although this may be new to you, until the last few years, your dad probably remembers some bad times, before the domination)

The trip is not just about the match,

It's the excitement of travelling to the airport.

Discussing past glories, team tactics, who's playing.

Checking into hotel, visiting the city, going for a few pints.

Buying the program, walking to the ground amidst other fans the excitement building, arriving at that familiar ground, the sight as it soars into the sky.

The teams coming out of the tunnel etc.

And then the loss....
Only a small part of your overall adventure.

I have seen plenty of losses in my time, but I would never stop going and enjoyed all my trips for different reasons.

I'm sure you dad enjoyed his trips to despite the losses, its about being there.

TimesArrow · 29-10-2018 06:56PM

Agree with the post above. The game itself and the result and are small parts of the overall big picture. It's about spending time with your dad and sport is common bond for many fathers/sons.

wiggle16 · 29-10-2018 07:57PM

Thread locked. Thanks all for your input.

Feeling down after travelling abroad to watch my football team lose twice

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