I was a Colts fan for years. I hooked up with a Bears fan (now my husband) in 2006, the season leading up to Superbowl XLI.

He has been a Bears fan since his earliest childhood memories growing up in Illinois, whereas I have been a Colts fan only since 1999, when I returned to the US after a brief stint in football-less Sweden.

My Dear Hub has gently coaxed, invited, bribed, and otherwise attempted to convert me to Bears Fanhood for all the years I've known him, including the pre-dating acquaintanceship of 2004 to when we started dating in 2006. I was alsways happy to root for the Bears when the Colts weren't playing them, but I felt that true conversion would take its own time, like changing church denomination when marrying. Since upon marriage I also assumed the role of Stepmom to his sons, I have dutifully steeped myself in Bears history and paraphernalia for the good of all. Little did I know that the rich history of the Bears, good and bad, would grip me as it did.

This morning I had a dream. I dreamed I was at a shopping mall and passed by a Colts mascot who was waving at passersby. I waved back and smiled, pointing at my jersey, which I assumed (in my dream) was a Colts jersey. To my surprise, the Colts mascot exclaimed, friendly like, "Oh, you're a Bears fan!"  I looked down at my attire, and sure enough I was wearing a Bears jersey. I realized, in my dream, that I was proud and happy to be a Bears fan, and that I couldn't wait to tell MDH that I was now not only an official Bears fan and filled with warm pride about it, but that the transition had been blessed by a smiling Colts mascot.

I excitedly called my dear hub to tell him about the dream, and he actually teared up a little. So did I. 

Now that I am a ready and willing Bears fan convert, are there any special rituals I need to go through? Does anyone else have advice on loyalty shifting in the NFL?

Your anecdotes, philosophy, and advice are appreciated!!

PS: if you know anyone who wants an odd lot of Colts paraphernaila, I have a bunch available!!