Cricketer's Wife

When your partner is a cricketer, it generally means they’re out of the house and unavailable for most of the day. As a cricket fan and growing up with a Mom who was also a cricket wife, going to watch the game my partner is playing in is an enjoyable option. But I get that not everyone feels the same. In fact, for some the thought of spending the day on the boundary watching the game is as exciting as stripping wallpaper.

So what can you do instead?

I’ve put together some suggestions because, like you, there are times when I’d rather do my own thing.

When you’ve got the entire day to yourself, what should you do with it? Here’s what I suggest.

13 things to enjoy while your partner is cricketing

Either by yourself (because enjoying your own company is nothing to be ashamed of) or with amate or fellow family member.

1.     See a movie

With a whole afternoon to yourself, it’s a great time to go to the cinema and see a film, or stream one you’ve been meaning to watch. Surely you have a list of movies that caught your eye but your partner isn’t interested in? Cricket days are your days to get through that list.

2.     Cook, clean and potter around the house

I know, I know, I realise how stereotypically, Stepford Wife and anti-feminist this one may sound. But I’m someone who finds great satisfaction from sorting and cleaning. Not to Marie Kondo level, mind you.) Having the time to potter in the kitchen or around the house, doing all those odd jobs you’ve been putting off for ages without the other half getting under your feet is fucking lovely.

3.     Go for a walk

If not round the boundary, then pick a walking track or somewhere you’ve never explored before and stroll.

4.     Catch up with friends or family

You might not be seeing your husband but that doesn’t mean you have to spend the day alone. If you’ve got mates or family nearby then arrange to meet them for drinks, lunch, a picnic, going to a gallery or museum. (Were they ideas 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8?)

9. Start a new book

I’m not someone who can spend an entire day reading, but I certainly enjoy sitting quietly and reading for a few hours. If you know Saturdays and Sundays are time to yourself, spend part of the day reading, or popping to the library or charity shop to find something new to read.

10. Go shopping

OMG, I used to love the days I had some money to splurge and to be able to take my time shopping on Oxford Street (when I lived in London) or catching the bus into Brisbane CBD, and just peruse the shops. Low-pressure, no-hurry shopping is delightful. Granted, unless you’re well-rich, this isn’t likely to be an option every weekend, but a couple of times during the season is good fun.

11. Plan a trip or holiday

You may be missing your other half right now, so plan something lovely for the two of you to do together on a weekend they’re not playing or once the season has ended.

12. Check what local events are on

How good this idea is will depend on whether you’re in or near a city, or if you’re village-based. But see what’s on nearby and go and support local events. You could:

• check to see what bands are playing
• if there’s any local theatre or comedy shows on
• any interest or hobby groups that catch your eye
• fairs or markets.

13. Have a wank and enjoy some ‘you time’.

There, I said it.

But let’s be honest. How often do you get the entire house to yourself? Make the flipping most of it.

Read the erotica you love.
Put the ethical porn you enjoy on the big screen.
Get out as many toys as you want. (Or spend time shopping for new ones.)
Put on the playlist you find sexy and then have a good time.

Then afterwards, have a nice little doze, wake up, and do it all again if you want. Or retreat to the sofa with chocolate and beer/wine and watch whatever you want on the TV.

What to do if your partner plays cricket and you have kids?

This is a moot point.

When you have kids, it doesn’t matter what you want to do, or in fact where your partner is. Because, like every other day, you’ll be at their mercy.

What do you do while your partner plays or watches sport?

Hopefully this list has given you a few ideas on what to do while your partner plays cricket. (Or rugby, or football, or golf for that matter.) But it is a bit tongue in cheek. You can literally do anything you want while your partner is out for the day.

From my experience, to avoid feeling lonely or any resentment if you’re a cricket widow, is to make sure you plan to do something with your time. There’s nothing worse than sitting there brooding and clock watching, hating that they’re not going to be home until late.

Whether it’s getting your nails done or seeing a friend for an hour or two, make sure you make the day your own and not just about waiting for them to come back.

Have fun and go well.