Gaming and your Significant Other

[Jeff Wilder]

Both my current girlfriend and my most recent ex know about my gaming. My current girlfriend has no problem with the gaming, but she doesn't like my time commitment to it. My most recent ex knew about it and teased me mercilessly (but very humorously). I suspect these are both fairly common reactions, but neither is adequately represented in the poll.

 

[Kreik]

My girlfriend knows about my gaming hobby, but doesn't really approve. She thinks it's childish and nerdish, but she doesn't try to stop me. She supports me in everything else I do. I'm not very happy with this situation though, i want to share what i think is a great hobby with her.
This thread has inspired me though, maybe i'll talk to her about it, and try introduce her to gaming. Any tips? I think i'll start with playing a lot of non-roleplaying games, to show her that games in general are fun. Then switch to computergames, maybe Baldurs Gate or something similar to introduce her to fantasy gaming and finally roleplaying games. Hmm, sounds like a long way to go.. :\

Sorry for the chaotic post, i'm a lurker, not a poster

 

[megamania]

I need a "They know but just don't get it" option.

so true

 

[megamania]

My wife tried it but can't grasp it. "I don't understand why..."

She got into Vampire for a bit(e) but when that game died she left gaming behind. She looks at my stack of books and shakes her head in dismay but beyond that has no problem with my playing.

Now the new miniatures ...that she really shakes her head for. Sometimes I can't disgree...

 

[Nellisir]

My wife understands it, gets it, and has totally no interest in it.
I think she's actually weirdly proud of the fact that I game (she's certainly not shy about telling her friends), and she reads fantasy novels by the dozen (she doesn't believe she's read more than me, but 'tis true - I read fast, but she reads steadily), but she has about as much desire to game as I do to go to the gym (which is to say, near zero). It just doesn't tickle her interest.
Between the gym, coaching volleyball, dog shows, and canine agility & obedience practice, she doesn't have any time anyways.

Cheers
Nell.

 

[fusangite]

I split up with my last (only) girlfriend nine years ago. When we met, she knew nothing about RPGs. Today, she's still gaming every week.

 

[Micah]

This thread has inspired me though, maybe i'll talk to her about it, and try introduce her to gaming. Any tips? I

If she reads - get her hooked on a storyhour. You might have to do some surfing around to find one that you thinks fits her well.

For me it was Sagiro's. I had a rather negative opinion about D&D, but after reading the storyhour was quite a bit more willing to try it out.

Start with a one-shot game or a very short module for your first go through.

Create pre-generated characters complete with backstories and plot hooks - then let her choose which one she wants to be. That takes some of the first-time rules agony out of the picture.

Recruit her friends, other couples, or guys that she respects and enjoys being around to be a part of the gaming group.

 

[Kreik]

Thanks! I'll try that.

 

[Nebulous]

My long time girlfried just doesn't get it. She tried to play a shrieking barbarian once, and liked it for a brief while, then the rules got to be too much for her. She's a Prime Time TV kind of gal, which i can't understand myself.

 

[Belen]

My wife has been gaming with me almost the entire time I have known her. I introduced her to the game and now she even DMs. She also goes to all the gamedays with me and works at a game store on the side. (The entire store is run, managed, and operated by women!).

She is the first woman I was with who gamed with me. Hence, we are now married.

I did date a girl who asked me to stop gaming for her. The relationship did not survive the day.