For a Steelers/Ravens game, I wear neutral colors. I evade questions about where I grew up, and I pray beforehand that I won’t get myself into trouble and/or killed.

So when I picked up my friend for my first Steelers party, I gave her specific instructions: do not tell anyone where I’m from. Don’t even bring it up.

“You know, I do have a Terrible Towel. But it’s somewhere in all the stuff I’m still unpacking.”

“That’s good. I don’t have a Towel, but I’m wearing a Steelers shirt.”

“Oh… I haven’t bought one of those yet. I was thinking about it.”

My friend issued an ultimatum: If the Steelers go to the SuperBowl, I buy a Steelers shirt.

A bet? Sure. But what should she do if I win? It took me a while to find it: She would have to wear Ravens regalia – and post a photo on Facebook. I threatened to make her wear it to work, as well, but backed off on that one as unnecessarily cruel.

About halfway through the first quarter, with the Steelers up by 7 (I think) and the Ravens 0, she came up with the idea that if the Ravens came out of the game with NO points, there would be an additional penalty. The guy next to me, J, who had been hanging with us for most of the party so far, suggested the following penalty: I would pay for dinner on our first date.

Here’s what I liked the most about hanging with J tonight: I didn’t dress up, or do my hair a special way, and I still felt completely comfortable and enjoyed myself. I enjoy dressing up etc, too, but I like that I didn’t worry about my hair or my face or being anyone but myself.  I enjoyed feeling comfortable just being me.

The Ravens pulled through, but not enough to win the game. There was a specific moment when my friend looked terrified …. but then the Steelers made a touchdown. Looks like I’ll be shopping for a shirt this week.