Is watching the game proper Super Bowl etiquette or a penalty for unladylike procedure?

Q. I guess I am an unusual female, but I really like to watch football.

So, when my husband and I get an invitation to go to a Super Bowl party, my antennae go up because I am afraid if we go, I will automatically be directed to the “ladies” group in another room to play cards or watch a movie or just hang out, eating snacks and enjoying beverages.

So, how do I politely explain that I want to watch the game if we accept the invitation, or should I just plop myself in the room where the guys are watching the game when we get there?

A. You are not unusual – believe me, there are a lot of women in this world today who love to watch football.

Most hosts and hostesses who decide to have a Super Bowl party understand that. They also understand that some of their invited female guests would prefer to watch a movie or play cards.

I would recommend you respond verbally to the invitation rather than email or text your response. Doing so makes it easier and more comfortable for you to express your feelings.

However, it would be very, very rude of you to call to ask questions about whether you get to watch the game or not before you decide if you are going to accept the invitation or not.

After all, the reason you are being invited is because you are liked and fun to be around.

This is an example of how you can politely express your feelings so your host and hostess will know you want to watch the football game: “Thank you so much for the invitation to your Super Bowl Party. We are so excited to come. It is certainly going to be such an exciting game to watch. I am hoping (your team) plays a great game and wins!”

Also, be sure to ask if there is anything you can bring.

After you arrive and meet everyone, if you are asked to join the other women in a card game or watch a movie, it is perfectly correct for you to simply say, “Thank you so much, but I am a great (name your team) fan and I am so excited to watch them win today.”

Q. If you are invited to a party, like the Super Bowl, for example, and the invitation says to B.Y.O.B. and you bring two bottles of your favorite wine, but one is not opened, do you take it back home with you?

A. It would be in poor taste for you to even mention the fact that one of the bottles was not opened.

If, however, the host or hostess realizes one of the bottles you brought was unopened and asks you to take it home with you, you can do so.

Otherwise, consider the unopened bottle a “hostess gift.”