Married to a Gamer – 6 Must Know Tips!

Let me start out by saying…I am NOT a gamer! I enjoy playing board games, card games and even more actual physical activity games (basketball, gymnastics, football…). My husband on the other hand is definitely a GAMER (although he also still enjoys outdoor sports and board games as well)!

I remember when we first started dating 20 years ago, how surprised I was by the amount of enjoyment he got out of playing video games. I thought it was cute how he would organize all nighter game nights with his friends. He would so diligently set up multiple TV’s and computer monitors all around his studio apartment and invite his guy friends over for some hardcore gaming. (Keep in mind this was before XBox LIVE or any sort of online community play).

As we continued to date and eventually get married he never really slowed down his gaming. I figured he would eventually out grow it. WRONG!

So let me tell you if you are married to a gamer, or even just dating a gamer…you need to be very aware that it is not just a fad…gaming is in their DNA. It is part of what makes them function through the day.

My husband is an excellent husband, father and definitely  my best friend. Years ago, I thought once we started having kids, he would out grow the gaming. I quickly learned it was actually the very opposite. He uses gaming as a way to relax and escape. Once the day is over and the kids are in bed – playing video games is how he chooses to relax. For a while it used to irritate me (and some days it still does). However, I have learned that it is a part of who he is, a part of the man I married and it is his way of relaxing.

So here are 6 things I have learned by being the wife of a gamer. 

1. Quality time together is sometimes just him playing games, while I sit and watch. I mean well at least we are in the same room together…LOL.
2. Don’t walk in front of the TV! Even if you are really annoyed or trying to get his attention, don’t do it! It will only make him mad and will not get your point across. Try to address your issues and concerns, once he is OFF the game.
3. Don’t expect to go to bed at the same time together. Since my husband mostly plays his games once the kids go to bed, it means he is often times playing through the night. I have learned it is just how it’s going to be and have gotten used to going to bed alone. (Sad I know. But it is not all of the time and when we do go to bed together at the same time it really means so much to me!)
4. When your husband starts yelling or calling “you” names, take a minute to see if his headset is on. There is a good chance he is NOT talking to you and is simply conversing with someone on the game. (I can’t tell you how many times I have replied or had a conversation with him without him even knowing because he has a headset on and can’t even hear me! LOL)
5. Say no to the man cave. This may just be me. But we have done the man cave off and on over the past 20 years and I have learned that I would rather him be playing in the main part of the house were we can all be together than to have him shut away from the rest of the family. This is definitely a matter of preference. But I don’t mind sitting next to my husband while he plays and I am working on my computer (or even taking a nap). I even sometimes find the sounds of him playing his game relaxing to me now LOL.
6. If you have kids, just expect that at least half of your kids will become gamers as well. Like I said before, it’s just in their DNA! I now have 4 kids who ALL love video games and I am sure at least 2 of them are already self proclaimed gamers.

My husbands Top 3 Favorite Games:

• Destiny: The Taken King
• Call of Duty: Black Ops III
• Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

My kids Top 3 Favorite Games:

• LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes – Nintendo 3DS
• Just Dance 2016 – Wii U
• Rock Band 4 Band-in-a-Box Bundle

Ok so if you too are married to a gamer and have some tips and funny stories you would like to share, please share in the comments! I can’t wait to hear about other gamer spouses!