Some common dorm activities on Blackburn’s campus include the following: watching countless hours of Netflix, getting cozy with a partner (or two) and endless amounts of videogaming. These activities may take over someone’s homework and studying times, but one activity seems to always beat out the rest. And that is videogaming. On average, gamers play approximately 22 hours per week according to a 2015 study from a gaming website called Boy Genius Report.
I have to admit, I am not an avid “gamer” like most of my friends. To say the very least, I never imagined that I would actually start dating a “gamer” because I always thought they were geeks. In the beginning of our relationship, I complained that my boyfriend wasn’t paying enough attention to me and I really didn’t know how to handle the situation. After consulting my friends and lots of Google searches, I found the right path to follow in order to save our relationship. Blackburn graduate Liz Quick and junior Liz Orr also have boyfriends who play a lot of video games on Blackburn’s campus. Quick is dating alumni William Cockrell who plays an average of 40 hours per week and Orr is dating senior Alex Greff who plays an average of 10 hours per week.
Here are five ways that were discussed why we “gamer gals” feel like video games can actually be great for your relationship!
1. If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!
Rather than sulking and fighting with him to stop playing video games, I thought it doesn’t hurt to join him! I’m so glad I did because it’s an easy way to spend time together. Even if you’re not fully into playing video games, it will mean a lot to him that you tried. With this being said, he might be more willing to go shopping or go see a chick-flick with you.
2. Remember There is a Pause Button
Most games do have a pause button and it is important to know when to use it. For instance, when your partner walks into the room after a long day, this is a perfect time to press pause, stand up and give them a kiss. Sometimes though your partner may not know to do this. It is important to set expectations and guidelines in order to have a smooth relationship. Unless, your partner is playing “League of Legends” then just walk away. There is no pause button on that game!
3. It is Important to Care About Each Other’s Interests
It’s totally cool to have separate interests. Relationships are a two-way street. My boyfriend likes the strategy games where I like more of the shooting games. He goes out of his way to find a game we can play together and his thoughtfulness results in us getting along even better! Orr commented, “I like to watch him play because of his reactions to the story line…so we can talk about different scenarios or aspects of the game he is playing.” Having something you both enjoy together is quality time well spent and can improve your relationship all around
4. Your Partner Will Become Your Hero
You’ll get some insight into your relationship by playing video games. It’s not every day that you are running away from zombies like in “Black Ops 2.” If he leaves the safe room to save you from a zombie, you know he is a man who will stick by you no matter what. Quick said “It’s also an opportunity for the both of you to problem solve together in order to figure out the mission like on ‘Portal’.”
5. It’s an Adrenaline Rush
When you finally reach the next level after playing for hours, or killing the enemy that has kicked your butt for days, your adrenaline will be pumping. With that adrenaline juice pumping, there is more than one way to celebrate, if you know what I mean…take this opportunity and have fun celebrating the win. It will be definitely a win-win for you!
Now that I have dated a “gamer” for the last three years, I can only imagine the adventures we will have as a married couple in the future. At least I can still beat him at my favorite 1972