Dear Maggie,
All my husband wants to do is play videogames all the time. I’d rather do just about anything in the world, but he just loves his game console. He’s online with friends constantly, blowing up aliens and saving the planet. How can I get him to try doing some of the things I would enjoy, so that we can have fun together? I feel like I’m all alone in the house when he’s on that system! We’ve only been married a short while, but if this keeps up ... well, I won’t say what I’m thinking. Help!
Signed,
Game-Widow
Dear Game-Widow,
Do you have a really large mallet?
No, just kidding. Really, it’s a tough one. He obviously enjoys gaming, and you really aren’t going to help your marriage by trying to tell him not to do something he loves doing. Marriage should enhance one’s life, not put limits on it. So maybe you can simply tell him that you would really enjoy finding some common interests, fun things, hobbies, that you can do together.
And then, maybe you should try working up an interest in gaming. If you could play some of the games with him, the console might seem less like competition for his attention.
It will probably be hard to get him off the couch at first. But if you have a lot of trouble, just announce that you are going out to do something, something that sounds like an absolute blast, and that he’s welcome to come along if he wants. And then do it. Go to an amusement park, or on a boat trip, or camping. Whatever. Just do it. I’ll bet he’ll feel compelled to join in. And if he doesn’t, well, fine. That’s his call. You need to do what makes you happy. Follow your own bliss. The rest will fall into place on its own.
Good luck!
Maggie
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