yeah, that's what makes this whole thing so heartbreaking and frustrating. For better or worse, being a passionate Cards fan is part of my personality/identity and has been since childhood. Like how old friends or co-workers will text me when the Cards do something cool (like the 17-game win streak or getting Arenado), or how everyone in my family knows they can fall back on Cardinals related gifts for me at the holidays and I'll love it lol.

While maybe not a rational (or healthy?) relationship, the thought of giving that up has me gutted. And to be honest, I probably wouldn't be able to given enough time (assuming they're continuing to play). Forgive the analogy but I feel like that person in a relationship who continues to go back to a toxic partner after being abused. :(