As a sports fan, you spend countless hours glued to the television screen, enduring a lifelong emotional roller coaster that is equal parts thrilling and exhausting. To the untrained eye, you're just laying around in mesh shorts eating and drinking for nine hours straight. A sports addiction can drive a wedge into any relationship if you're not careful.

You may never get your partner to fully convert into a die-hard fan, but there are a handful of strategies you can do to minimize the friction between you guys during the season.

Buy them cool team gear.

Everyone enjoys free schwag and your partner is probably no different. Outfitting them in the latest official apparel helps them feel part of the team. Added bonus is they'll often be approached by other fans looking to talk about the latest game, which will make them want to follow the team so they won't come off as a poser. Let's be honest, who can resist a fun hat?

Bribe them with food and drinks.

If you're anything like me, you've been dragged to a number of plays, musicals and ballets, where you immediately wish you had a drink or at the very least some buffalo wings to work on. The same applies for getting your partner to sit down for a six-hour session of NFL football. One of the great things about sports is it pairs so well with alcohol and unhealthy food. Nachos and mimosas -- if you're over 21! -- can turn the most skeptical spectator into a hardcore fanatic in the matter of an afternoon.

Learn to compromise.

Sure, you have an amazing double-stacked big screen setup that is ideal for football. But even you have to admit it's kind of an eyesore. Enjoying your newly decorated "football TV" shows that you're a team player and not going to be a problem in the clubhouse.

Put in work during the off season.

Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football and, of course, Sunday Morning and Afternoon Football means you've got a pretty busy schedule. Whatever sport or sports you're into, there is always some sort of off season. That's the perfect time to hold your own spring training to focus on your partner's interests to prepare for the binge-watching days ahead.

Explain the inside jokes.

Being a sports fan means there are tons of inside jokes. Your partner may not be into going over the minutia of what is and isn't a catch -- and honestly after Dez Bryant's non-catch, who knows? -- but they may enjoy hearing why "Joe Buck Sucks." Everyone gets a good laugh when you realize there is an entire Facebook group simply dedicated to explaining why Joe Buck sucks.

Gamble on what they're interested in.

As a die-hard sports fan, you already know how enjoyable it is to gamble on sports if you're of age to bet. Gambling can turn a meaningless pre-season game into a heart-pounding affair, and the same can be said for whatever televised event your partner is into. "Dancing With The Stars," the Oscars and even "The Bachelorette" have gambling lines available which instantly turn you into a superfan of your significant other's favorite show.

Leave it all on the field.

This one is the hardest of all but honestly the one that will prove the most valuable in keeping a mixed non-sports fan relationship going. For those hours when you're watching the game, go nuts -- but when it's over, do your best to let it go. I know it's easier said than done, but do yourself a favor and go on a long walk, clear your head and never mention Pete Carroll again.