Step 1: Get a significant other.
Step 2: Get them to game with me.
Step 3: Try not to kill them.
Seriously, it’s not that bad. Combining the two loves of your life shouldn’t be a struggle that ends in tears and possible bloodshed – breakups are rough, guys.
From personal experience, the hard part is already over. You got the girl/guy. Relationships are all about learning new things, so guys–it’s time to bring out the second controller.
1. Don’t Force It!
This is pretty obvious for all aspects of a relationship. “Love is like a fart. If you have to force it, it’s probably shit.” No, I didn’t make that up. I don’t find it an exceptionally eloquent, but it works.
Forcing someone to play a video game isn’t going to make them like it. They will begin to feel obligated, and once they start to hate it, they begin to resent you. Introduce the idea of playing together and let them decide what they would like to try playing. If they don’t want to play video games at all (hmph!), then it’s not something they’re into and you’ll just have to accept that.
2. Patience is a virtue!
Have patience, young padawan. If they aren’t used to playing video games, it might take awhile for them to get used to the things that now come naturally to you. Be willing to stop the game and show them what to do. Yelling at them to get their ass in gear is just going to start fights. Fights are bad, I don’t care what a silly image on Facebook tells you!
One way to ease them into gaming is have them watch you play. I still do this, because watching the game play out is actually pretty cool. It’s a fun way to connect if your SO isn’t ready to start playing. You can also start teaching them the controls, what certain buttons do and other helpful things for when you get into co-op.
3. Get rid of your ego!
Both of you! First hand experience here, guys. I was so nervous to play in front of my boyfriend that we didn’t play together for two months. I just didn’t want to look stupid. Make sure you let your player 2 know that it’s okay if they don’t get it at first. It’s a growing experience!
If they are better than you at a game…who cares? That shouldn’t keep you from wanting to play. I’m sure there are tons of other people that you play with that are better than you. Don’t ruin your relationship because your ego is out of control. Take credit for having such an amazing person to play co-op with!
4. Don’t let it end with just one game!
Continue to spice up your game play. Watch them grow as they play more interesting and difficult games. Let the fire keep burning by showing them fun things to do in the gaming community, like cosplay. Cosplay is a fun way to liven up the relationship and also give you a new project to work on.
Play a new game, go to a convention, do something! Don’t let the spark die!
5. Give and take.
You got them to play video games. CONGRATS! We are oh so proud…but return the favor. Do they like sports? Or are they a huge movie buff? Watch that movie they’ve been trying to get you to watch for months *cough*Labyrinth*cough*. Although it may be bad and sort of cheesy, it will make them as happy as you were when they picked up the controller.
Combining your two passions shouldn’t be the hardest part of the relationship. Let it be a fun way for you two to connect and grow closer. I know that there is nothing sweeter than shooting a Bullymong in the face with the one that I love.
