Showing some interest
Sure, you only play MMOs. That’s fine! But what if your partner is an FPS fanatic? Do you just scoff and thumb your nose, then go hole up in your favorite game to slay some orcs? No! Try their game out. Spend at least a little while in it, and do your best to actually have fun. Sometimes it’s a good idea to break the monotony of what you normally do and expand your comfort zone. I know, I know… the idea of getting out of your box is a little frightening to most, but it’s good for you! Not to mention, your partner will certainly appreciate the effort showed on your part.
Compromise
This subject is particularly hard for those people who consider themselves gaming snobs. Being good at one type of game is great, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be good at others, and some people don’t appreciate getting their a$$ kicked by their loved one. Even so, finding a game you can both enjoy is one of the keys to keeping the relationship from fading. Do something fun like Rock Band, Super Mario Bros: Super Mario Kart, or any game that requires cooperation or competition. (Hint: If your partner is an FPS person, you may want to stick with cooperation unless you want to chance getting a real headshot for pwning them.)
Talk - Yes, outside of the game
You are both gamers. There has to be something else you have in common. Maybe you both like the same comic books, or the same books? Or maybe you both like the same music, movies, food, or anything. Find a mutual interest that doesn’t revolve around gaming and work on that some. Obviously, that’s going to be more difficult for the hardcore gamers who spend the majority of their time playing games, but it is a necessity in this situation.
Bowchickawowow
I would hope I wouldn’t have to spell this out, but let’s be honest here; gamers have a tendency to put everything else aside when it comes to their games. I know there are some really hot avatars out there, but you still need to make time for a little… well… “fun time”. Playing online with your loved one is great, and can be very fulfilling, but nothing compares to physical intimacy. If you’re really bad at tearing yourself away from your game try scheduling the time. No, I’m not kidding. Schedule a few hours a week to start with for some alone time with your partner. Notice I said “to start with”. As much as I love my games, even I will make more than a few hours a week for some, ahem, playtime.
The four ways just mentioned are certainly not the only things you can do to help keep your relationship strong. Use your imagination! Be creative and come up with your own ways. Does your partner play a particular game and they’ve been -dying- to have an item in it? See if you can get the item and send it to them. When you’re messing around on the internet and you happen to find some information about their particular game email them the information, or even just the link to it. Show some interest in what your partner loves to do. Trust me, that goes a long way.
Do feel free to email me and let me know if these helped you in any way, or if you have another way that you’ve come up with and I’ll be sure to add it onto the list (
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