The Player/GM relationship.

[Janx]

It ok, and even great to find girlfiend from game. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't as in usual situations.

It doesn't compare to work, but relationship in hobby. Which is usual how to to people meet.

This is an excellent point. Normal people take up hobbies to meet and interact with other people of the same interest. That inherently includes, meeting somebody you fall in love with.

Otherwise, there'd be no mechanism to meeting people except bars and online dating, and the average quality of those relationships has a poor track record to my eye.

While it may interfere some with gaming, the new SO shouldn't totally negate your hobby. But conversely, you should not skip the opportunity of having an SO in favor of gaming.

 

[malcolypse]

I've seen games go to pot because of a GM/Player relationship, but it was the failing of the couple outside the game, which would have happened regardless.

Life's too short to deny yourself a good thing. Go for it.

I would second the suggestion of taking the other players aside, and also deputize them to let you know (privately after the game or by note) if they think you are being unfair. That should help them feel better about not getting the short end of it, and allow them to act as your radar to guide you in maintaining fairness.

 

[Memnoch3434]

Really D&D is to have fun, that's what matters. I agree that anyone who has a problem with your relationship inside the game due to possible favoritism is just asking for trouble already.

 

[Gilladian]

My husband and I met at a game shop. We had our first date over our Dnd characters. Both died in the first combat (LOL)!

We married 3 years later, and are on our way to celebrating 30 years. We've gamed together the whole time, and nobody has ever accused either of us of favoritism.

Certainly there can be issues (I've either avoided having a couple IN my campaign, or dropped them from my game because of their relationship problems), but I doubt that a relationship that would have lasted in other circs will be blown up by a single bad DM call.

 

[TheYeti1775]

Honestly go for, never trying is the same as failing.
You just didn't earn any exp attempting it.

Don't know your ages or maturity levels, but most mature folks can handle the in and outs fine.

I've dated fellow players before and it took almost a month before the rest of the group figured it out. We never announced it, and it just looked like we were always giving each other rides to the game. That and the fact we were natural flirts with each other prior most didn't even clue in we had switched normal positions sitting around the table.

 

[Tamlyn]

It's larger than simply a game issue, it's a social issue. Any time members of a larger group of friends start dating, it has the potential to affect the dynamics of the group. The other members will therefore be sensitive to it.

I think the advice to have a trusted member of the group key an eye out for the perception of favoritism is good. But I would also suggest pulling aside your potential date and have a grown-up conversation with her too. If you're worried about it affecting your judgement as the GM, or about someone leaving the group if you break up, let her know. Besides, if you're both honest with each other about simple stuff like that, it can only help the (potential) relationship.

Keep in mind, I may not be the most qualified to offer advice. I started playing after I got married and my wife has no interest whatsoever in this particular hobby. Take any advice I give with a grain of salt.