1. Their Diet

When dating an athlete, instead of him calling you up to ask you out for a burger or pizza, he make ask you out for a protein fix at the local chicken wing joint, or barbecue place. Depending on how serious they are about their sport, sugar may be a no-no, so don’t make him your favorite cookies. Instead try out a healthy granola recipe. Who knows-his diet may make you re-think yours as well.

2. Their Sleep Schedule

Before booking the two of you for a late-night party or rock fest concert, check with your guy. If it’s close to the week of the marathon he’s going to running or the big football game, he may decline. Just as you would want him to support what is important to you, try to do the same for him.

3. Their Workout Routine

An athlete’s workout routine is a job all in itself. Whether he’s a weekend warrior or aiming for a professional career, prepping his body for the challenges to come is important not only to perform well, but also to avoid injury. Make sure that you support this routine no matter how intense the schedule may seem in your eyes. After all, would you want him to question your habit in reaching your goals?

4. Their Recognition

Regardless of how little or well-known your date is, he will receive acknowledgement from fans and critics alike. You will also be in this spotlight, so take it in your stride and know what’s truly important. If the girls are batting their lashes at your trustworthy dude, feel complimented that you’re the one he’s with. If the critics are yelling at him as you walk down the street about the play he missed last week, feel sorry for the person yelling, thinking that this is the most important thing in their life right now, and keep walking.

5. The Fatigue

It’s exhausting to be on at such a high physical level during the sport your guy participates in. There may be an initial high after the tennis match, soccer game, or ski event, but then it’s time for the body to re-charge. Don’t make him feel guilty or torn about this. Just understand it’s part of the ride when dating an athlete.

6. Their Focus and Drive

When you want to spend an afternoon with friends, at the beach or just being sloths, your Fit Guy may need to keep up his routine of eating right and working out. Don’t give up who you are for him. Instead, let both of you work towards your goals and happiness, and hopefully create a healthy, happy life together.

7. Their Intensity

Athletes can be intense people. They need to be in order to reach their sometimes superhuman goals. This intensity can turn to other parts of their life. If it makes you uncomfortable, or if you want to help them to keep things more compartmentalized, just say so. If they’re healthy and want the relationship to work, they’ll listen to you.

Athletes are a different breed of people. They test themselves to the limit, and can achieve great goals. They also can ask a lot of the people who are in their lives. If this is the right fit for you, hold true to your boundaries, make sure the support of your sweetheart is returned to you by him, and most importantly, have fun! What’s your best advice for someone dating an athlete?