#0 - July 27, 2009, 8:24 p.m.
And there's one thing that we all share: that moment where you tell someone who does not, that you do. I have found it to be helpful to come up with some pregenerated descriptions of gaming to assist in spinning the dark confession in such a way it seems less of a confession. No one ever blushes and looks around to see if anyone can hear before admitting that he plays Monopoly, right?
So learn from my hoary wisdom, you; the next generation of gamer. For you are luckier than those who went before: girls actually already participate in your hobby. That has not always been the case. And should you meet a young woman who is not among the initiated, and marry her, as I did, I suggest the following:
1) My hobby is cheap!
For the most part, 15 dollars a month is pretty low for the rate of return. Some fellows might spend that much on a case of beer, then drink it in an afternoon with their friends.
2) My hobby is clean!
Speaking of which, that fellow with the case of beer is probably drinking it in your living room with his friends, while you listen to every spilled drink and dropped potato chip with growing dread, in the knowledge that you will be the one cleaning it.
3) My hobby is not time specific!
You want to have a girl's night where you drink Cosmos and watch Sex and the City? I'll be in the computer room, let me know if you need a refill. My hobby doesn't require that I monopolize the living room, or the TV, or the kitchen, for hours on end.
Lastly, and most importantly...
4) My hobby is a niche market!
Which is a nice way of saying it is highly unlikely that I would ever meet a girl while playing WoW.
Compare playing WoW to watching NFL, or going to the bar, or fishing, or playing poker, and nearly every time you come out on top. Anyone have any they have used to good advantage?