Curse

Inde · Mar 17, 2008, 07:38 PM // 19:38

Funniest article I just read...

I'll do a brief summary for those who don't want to read it.

Tip 1: "The next time he empties the trash, play a loud 'Ding!' sound and tell him his Refuse-Disposal skill just increased."
Tip 2: See a video game movie like Resident Evil
Tip 3: Fake a Power Outage
Tip 4: Spouse likes military games? Dress up in a uniform.
Tip 5: Role-play and dress up as a Night Elf from WoW, learn the dance moves as well.
Tip 6: Weekend getaway
Tip 7: Join in!

Are games ruining your relationship? Fight back with these seven tips.

By Mike Smith

It might be hard to believe that a video game could destroy a relationship, but after we talked to Jocelyn, a Californian whose six-year marriage dissolved when her husband developed a crippling addiction to the massively-multiplayer online game World of Warcraft, we were inundated with similar stories of woe and heartbreak.

It's too late for Jocelyn -- who divorced her husband in 2005 and has sworn to keep away from gamers altogether -- but it might not be too late for you. If your significant other's gaming habits are harming your relationship, here are seven ways to beat the game and reclaim your love life.

1. Learn from the game
Games like World of Warcraft use classic behavioral control techniques: they tie small rewards very closely to repetitive chores. If your spouse is neglecting household tasks -- a common complaint among sufferers -- try employing a little positive reinforcement. The next time he empties the trash, play a loud 'Ding!' sound and tell him his Refuse-Disposal skill just increased.

2. Suggest a date at a video game movie
Just make sure it's a good one, because most of them are terrible. Resident Evil is a good choice, and assuming your spouse is male, the prospect of staring at Milla Jovovich for an hour and a half should certainly pique his interest. Don't let him sneak off to play his game once the movie is done, either: segue into a more intimate scenario before it ends, or you'll lose his attention.

3. Fake a power outage; cuddle up with candles and a board game
No matter how bad your addiction is, you can't play Warcraft with no electricity. Slip out to the junction box and flip the switch (after, of course, making sure any sensitive equipment is safely powered down). Your spouse will be devastated, but they'll be looking for something to keep their mind off the game. What better chance to propose lighting a few candles and playing a round of Scrabble?

4. Put some game into your nighttime activities
If your spouse's gaming addiction is cutting into your bedroom time, think about how you might switch up your usual routine. If they're into military games like Call of Duty or Splinter Cell, uniforms aren't hard to find (nor are night-vision cameras, if you're game). But if they call you a "n00b," it might be time to think about kicking them to the curb.

5. Try a different kind of role-playing game

If you're having trouble distracting your husband from the game, surprise him with a treat. World of Warcraft is packed with sexy female characters (and, let's face it, most other video games). With a little effort in the wardrobe department, you can recapture his attentions by dressing up as a character from the game. We'd suggest a Night Elf as a good starting outfit. For bonus points, learn the character's corresponding dance moves.

6. Get away from it all
Surprise your spouse with a weekend getaway to distract them from their addiction. Something that incorporates outdoor activities is best, because then he or she won't have the time or energy to miss their game. Try skiing, mountain biking, watersports, or fishing, or head for an action-packed hotspot like Vegas or New Orleans. Stay away from relaxing beach vacations, and for goodness sake, leave the laptop at home.

7. If you can't beat 'em...
If all else fails, it's time to consider extreme measures. Have you ever played the offending game yourself? Lots of couples play Warcraft (or similar online games) as a team, leveling up complementary characters and turning isolated and nonconstructive activities into good, old-fashioned quality time together. Most massively multiplayer games are deceptively easy to learn, and you'll have the benefit of an in-house expert to answer your questions in exhaustive detail. Just be careful not to start shirking familial duties yourself.

http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/...spouse/1194632

Malice Black · Mar 17, 2008, 11:56 PM // 23:56

You need to get out more.

Sora267 · Mar 18, 2008, 12:01 AM // 00:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malice Black

You need to get out more.

Or rather, the person who wrote the article on Yahoo does.

Malice Black · Mar 18, 2008, 12:19 AM // 00:19

I'm allowed to abuse Inde. She loves it

**cosyfiep** · Mar 18, 2008, 12:25 AM // 00:25

yes the old addidge if you cant beat 'em---join 'em

the only problem is I play more than he does now

I pwnd U · Mar 18, 2008, 12:30 AM // 00:30

8. Offer them lots and lots of sex and everything they have ever dreamed of

That should do it too amirite?

Winterclaw · Mar 18, 2008, 01:06 AM // 01:06

9. Let him start a harem if he quits videogames and hope you can compete with real women better.

I really need to get out and meet someone so I can ignore her and she can win me back.