by Matt Bird

Created on: May 26, 2009   Last Updated: May 27, 2009

I'm a video game junkie. I love the things to death. So it's a bit surprising that my first relationship died partially not because I was playing video games too much, but she was. Consequently I refuse to play Final Fantasy XI, for though I adore the rest of the series, that game stole my girlfriend from me.

It's amazing how easily video games can ruin a good relationship. Everything may be going well: but the moment a good video game enters the scene, it threatens to dominate the landscape. The best new releases demand our attention, and since new releases are coming out all the bloody time we gamers are invariably drawn to play them. This can prove irksome for our other half, who may not enjoy games to the same extent (if at all) and thus find our obsession with our games annoying.

Games demand a lot of time. Even the shortest of video games can still take a few hours to complete in their entirety, hours that could have been spent with a boyfriend or girlfriend. And while this may be forgivable every now and then, long stretches of game playing will invariably drive the significant other batty. Why should they stick around and wait for somebody who isn't really there in the first place? It's even worse when the player invites their partner over - and then sits and plays their game the whole time. This is made even worse by online games which demand constant attention, either because you want to get to the next level or support your friends in a dungeon.

And the worst part? These games don't really have an end. They just keep going, and going, and going.

So, gamers, you need to stop and ask yourself: is your game really worth more to you than your relationship? Are you willing to sacrifice what could be the greatest love of your life for a few hours of vapid enjoyment? Fun as a game may be, it won't come anywhere close to providing the same fulfillment as a good relationship.

I got lucky with my last girlfriend. She loved video games. We'd often sit and play them together, supporting one another and taking turns. Such mutual understandings don't come along very often, however, and for the rest you're just going to have to lay your games down for a while and pay attention to your boy or girl. And while you may regret giving up your precious leveling time at first, you'll be much happier in the long run.

Games come and go all the time. Significant others don't. Do what it takes to keep your relationship going and switch your Wii, PS3 or Xbox off. Trust me, the addiction isn't worth it.

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