Hello fellow Gator fans! I am honored to be in the position of guest columnist for Gator Tailgating this morning. I am surrounded by Gator Football, Gator Games, Gator Tailgating, Gators on the DVR… not that I mind, of course, since as a Gator grad and former Student Ticket Office rep, my heart bleeds orange and blue like the rest of the GT family.

However, I understand that many of you die-hard Gator fans have more reluctant wives and girlfriends, many of whom do not, as I do, secretly (or, not so secretly in my case), wish to be Mrs. Tim Tebow! So, for all of you menfolk wishing to bring your women into the Gator Nation, I now present… The Top Eight Tips to Having a True Tailgating Girl:

1. Let’s get this one out of the way, guys- help around the house to get chores done prior to gameday! Yes, it’s far more fun to forego household duties in favor of beer and football in the spirit of the Gators, but it will be way easier on her- and therefore, easier on you in the long run- if she’s not silently reflecting on the unwashed dishes and unfolded laundry. A plus for you: Men doing chores is way sexier than even the highest jump pass into the endzone. So pitch in- and reap the benefit of coming home, exhausted but jubilant after an 8:00pm kickoff that ended with a 41-14 lead, and falling into a clean, freshly made bed… with the wifey.

2. Okay, so the house is clean, and you’re getting ready for your tailgate…. To you this means remembering the bottle opener, but to her, it means cute gameday clothes. Sure, you hate that shopping habit- but can’t you bend the rule a bit in favor of that cute $74 orange and blue sundress she wanted? Logo apparel may be expensive (you know because you buy plenty for yourself) but just because your girl’s a fair-weather fan now doesn’t mean she isn’t worthy of showing her colors- so encourage her to buy some Gator wear and Gator bling- or better yet, surprise her with something Gator-riffic to wear. (Hey, if she looks great, she’s more confident, confidence is supersexy- and don’t you want the hottest girl at the tailgate? Show her wardrobe some Gator love.)

3. This next one is crucial, so pay attention- get your girlfriend/wife involved. Interpret this how you will, because it can mean anything from asking her to contribute her fabulous guacamole to the tailgate grub, or explaining gameday traditions so she knows what’s going on. These can make big differences in her level of comfort- and her level of enjoyment. This is something you can do together, after all! You could even take her to see the Gator Walk or give her a basic history of the new Heavener complex.

4. All right, you’re at the tailgate. Now what? Well, it’s super easy- just pay attention to her. Introduce her to your tailgating buddies, and then include her in the conversations. Anyone can feel nervous hanging out at a tailgate for the first time- even if it’s with guys she’s met before. It’s your job- your job, not hers, since these are your friends- to make her feel welcome. Ask her if she’s having a good time- and no doubt she will be since the Gators are awesome!

5. Beer pong , you say? Yes. Flip cup? Absolutely. Jager bombs? Of course! Yes, you’ll be drinking and playing drinking games. But don’t make all the socializing and games drinking games. I’ve seen this over and over again- and even got sucked into it myself a time or two- we girls want you to know we can hang, so that Bourbon Meyer goes down the hatch before you can say, "Go Gators!" But if you’re going the distance- as in, inside the stadium for a 3.5 hour football game after a day of drinking- your lovely lady friend will frankly be more of a liability if you get her drunk and then she doesn’t feel well or gets tired. So do her- and yourself- a favor and make it about more than the drinking. Single guys, this goes for you too: No sober Gator beauty will find your drunken, slurred cheers at all attractive, and then this article may never apply to you at all. Sad :(.

6. So… the Gators play at 8:00pm and #6 LSU plays #10 Georgia at 3:00pm. You’re watching the game from your tailgate, and It's. So. Close!!! I get it, you’re into the game - but make sure to clue her in on what’s happening. Make it personal- point out players who have been on the injury list, or who’s been suspended for bad behavior (or just plain idiocy, if you happen to be watching FSU.) The easier it is to pick up on football terminology, the more fun it will be for both of you- pretty soon she’ll be cursing at refs as loud as you are!

7. Great, you two are having an awesome time tailgating, you’re watching games on TV, having some drinks, talking up the gators- it’s great. Your girl wants to make it memorable by snapping some pics- be patient with the picture taking!

Okay, so this may only happen to me- but, no lie, my husband will stick out his tongue, bite me, make faces- anything to ruin a picture, sober or drunk. And how does that work out for all of us? He may think it’s funny for a minute.. but damned if I don’t get super annoyed, and vow to stab him to death with spork… just as soon as I wrestle my ticket from his grasp. so just smile for the damn pictures. and who knows, if it’s a memorable win you may just want that snapshot as your wallpaper come Monday- a reminder of the awesome time you had tailgating this weekend.

8. And… if all else fails, just make sure your buddies bring their girls, too. even if she’s having a horrible time, your girl can make friends with the other girls at the tailgate, who can help her to have more fun…. or maybe decide that neither one of them are into it and make plans to have lunch and shopping during next week’s tailgate…. the point is, make sure your girl has a positive Gator experience. that way, she too may one day have the ultimate dream… of leaving you for Tim Tebow.

Tamara Herchel is a guest columnist for GatorTailgating.com. Tamara bleeds orange and blue every Saturday throughout Gator Football Season!