Now that it’s February, you probably have two things on your mind… the start of winter guard season and Valentine’s Day. But with your busy practice schedule do you really have time to find a valentine? Luckily, they may be closer than you think!
We compiled a list of the top 10 signs you’re in a good relationship, and you may be a bit surprised to find that your team is the real love of your life! Keep reading to find out why:
1. You Make the Relationship Your Top Priority
It’s not surprising that color guard is your #1, but have you noticed that you tend to place your commitment to guard above everything else in your life (Homework, school, work, family events, friendships outside of guard, and even relationships)? Who you make your top priority is who you really love and all real guard members know they’d have to be on their own death-bed to miss a performance.
2. You Communicate Openly and Regularly
Whether you’re texting your captain to find out what the call-time is or tagging your teammates in a video of the latest trick you want to try, if you check your history, most of your recent messages are probably between you and your fellow guard members. Communication is a crucial part of color guard, and although your staff is constantly telling you to stop talking, they secretly know you couldn’t stop even if you tried.
3. You Create Emotional Intimacy
You know that moment, you’re out there on the floor/field and you and your guard are just vibing with each other. For those few fleeting moments you are all connected. This feeling is unlike anything else you will ever experience and only those who have experienced it themselves will ever understand.
4. You are Passionate
Of course you are passionate about guard, you’d have to be crazy to make this sort of commitment otherwise, but its sharing that passion with your guard that makes it truly special. All of the love and excitement that you feel for performing your show and being a part of the activity only strengthens your closeness as a team. It is through your mutual passion that you develop a relationship that is unlike any other.
5. You Spend Time Together
This one is pretty much a given, but honestly, have you ever added up how much time you spend doing something guard-related? Aside from the countless hours spent at practice, you also have fundraisers, football games, floor painting, full days devoted to competitions, and the occasional late night trip to Denny’s. It’s honestly amazing you find time to do anything else!
6. You Speak Kindly
Although there’s always drama inside every color guard, guard members love to speak kindly about their group as a whole. There is a sense of pride that comes along with being in guard, whether it’s a small high school team or a world class independent guard. It’s only natural that you tell everyone that your guard is the best, and all of the reasons why they should join!
7. You are Affectionate with Each Other
It’s safe to say that if you are in guard, you have no idea what personal space is. Maybe it’s all the time you spend together or the partner work, but for some reason it’s totally acceptable to climb on your guard friend or tackle that senior that you haven’t seen since graduation. Although completely normal in the guard world, this is not so common in the real world. Just trust us on this one.
8. You Inspire and Support Each Other to be Better
In guard you are constantly being inspired and supported by your peers and staff. You form a family that will provide you with pep talks and tough love when necessary. The truth is guard members are constantly pushing each other, because when each member gets better, the team gets better.
9. You Accept Each Other for Who You Are
Is there anyone on this earth that understands you and the struggles of your life more than your team? When you’re surrounded by your guard, you know that you can be 100% yourself and you can expect that they will as well. Whether it’s partaking in a crazy dance party on the bus or a mental breakdown after an exceptionably rough rehearsal, your guard will always be there for you.
10. You Like Each Other
You like each other enough to hang out outside of rehearsal. You form real bonds, friendships, best friends, and even sometimes relationships with your teammates. You stay in contact with some of these people for years to come. And, if you’re lucky, some of these friendships may even be for life.
But no matter what happens or where life takes you, you will always share that special bond. This bond is built on hard work, memories, and love. So this year forget about bae and focus on your real one true love. Tell your guard you love them by sharing this list and don’t forget to buy them some chocolates!