No Super Bowl party is complete without lots of food. Look up some creative eats so you can prepare something fun for the whole group to enjoy. Plus, the busier you are making food, the less you’ll wind up having to listen to him and his friends yell in your ear at every touchdown.

As someone who played soccer, tennis and ran track growing up, I have no idea what the hell is going on in football games. So when I get really confused, I ask whomever I’m with to explain it a little bit. But try to keep the questions to a minimum; when someone repeatedly asks for an explanation, it kind of feels like when you’re watching a movie’s sequel and the person next to you keeps asking what’s going on because they never saw the first one. Translation: it’s distracting.

Sure, you may not be super into the game itself. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the halftime show, the commentary or simply spending time with the folks at the party. Keep your attention on what interests you rather than dwelling on the stuff you don’t appreciate; being positive is always more fun than sitting and counting the minutes ’til the day is done.

Yet another ingredient that all Super Bowl parties need at least a little bit of: beer. Don’t get stuck drinking the carbonated sink water frequently passed around at game day parties; instead, grab your favorite six-pack (or more to share!) and crack open something you’ll actually enjoy while sitting back and watching with your sweetheart.

Winning is exciting for people who are devoted to a specific team! If your partner feels like going out afterward with friends, either join along or let him go ahead. Hey, even if you aren’t a huge fan of football, maybe the post-party will be a great way to get to know his friends and/or family while they’re in a great mood. But if you’re really not in the mood, at least don’t give him lots of grief about going; it could mean a lot to him to bond with his loved ones if the Super Bowl is special to them.

And by “comfort him” I mean “use losing as an excuse to have sex.” He will likely forget the loss within, oh, a minute or less.