ugotaction said:
I need opinions on whether or not a relationship is good for a pool career or for a pool player in general. is it worth it? does it mess things up? or make things worse or more stressfull ? tell me what you know from experience or from plain knowledge.
I know I will probably get sent to Oprah or Dr. Phil, but.................
I think being impatient is the cause of most failed relationship involving pool players of both sexes. Guys who play well have no trouble meeting the cute girls in the poolroom who see the players as outlaws, or at least "bad boys" who gamble and win other peoples money without having to work. I'm sure it is just as easy, if not easier, for the girls to date almost any guy (or girl

) in the poolroom as well, since there is a much bigger percentage of guys who frequent rooms. The players are usually popular in the room as well, getting alot of attention, with everyone coming up to speak to or chat with them. They are usually popular with almost everyone in the room. That allure is what attracts potential suitors to the pool player/gambler. Guys usually let their libido get the best of them and show interest in the girls for physical reasons (the road does get lonely). Also, with the many dissapointments that the road brings, it's nice to feel wanted. Soon, when the girl (or guy, for you ladies) realizes what is involved in making money playing pool, they get disinterested, but have usually developed some feelings for the player. Even if you explain to them that it may take all day sitting around to only get action at midnight (or not at all), it still does not sit well with a partner who does not understand how the game works. Plus, if it is a non-player, they usually only know bars and poolrooms as "pick-up" type places where you go to meet and pick up girls. Subsequently, they think that every time you want to go practice, that there is an underlying motive and you are there to get drunk or to meet and pick up women. All of a sudden, Bam! Another pool related relationship gone bad. I do think that it is easier for league players. At least in Chattanooga, the leagues are a good social setting to meet and enjoy the company of people with similar interests.
After many years in the poolroom, my biggest piece of advise would be to tell a player that a relationship can work, but it takes patience to find a person who has the criteria that you are looking for in a partner. Don't jump at the first attractive, available person who shows an interest in you. There is a compatible, trustworthy pool lover out there for us all. We just can't rush finding them.
Mike