Every few years, the World Cup arrives and suddenly every television in the house seems permanently tuned to football. If you’re simply not interested in the tournament, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to reclaim your screen time.
Start by planning ahead. Streaming services are your friend, so queue up a series you’ve been meaning to watch or finally tackle that documentary list. Noise-cancelling headphones can also be surprisingly effective if excited commentary isn’t your thing.
Another option is to embrace the opportunity for some “me time.” Read a book, try a new recipe, head out for a walk, or catch up with friends while everyone else is glued to the match. Cafés, cinemas, and museums can feel refreshingly peaceful during major games.
If you share a home with football fans, a little compromise goes a long way. Agree on which matches are must-watch events and which evenings are fair game for movie nights or your favourite shows.
Of course, not all women want to avoid the World Cup—millions are passionate football fans themselves. But if football fever isn’t for you, remember: the tournament only lasts a few weeks, and with a bit of planning, you’ll hardly notice it’s on at all.