CREDIT: BROOK IDEN
Playing video games in moderation is fine but if you are dedicating multiple hours a day to screen time your relationship will suffer.

Being in the room when your boyfriend or girlfriend has been playing a video game all day is a state you never want to see them in.

There is something about a man or a woman who has been gaming for hours that makes them look like there is an unhygienic stink cloud transpiring around them.

I am not saying that you should stop playing video games altogether especially if it is something you are passionate about.

However, if all of your evenings with your special someone revolve around them sitting on the couch while you play your game then it can be detrimental to your relationship.

I am in no way a gamer so I do not really understand the appeal about putting your hands at risk for carpal tunnel while you kill as many people as you can on a screen.

I realize that it can be an escape from reality which we all need from time to time but if you are constantly looking for an escape from your life or your relationship then maybe you need to reevaluate.

Having your significant other show more passion towards their video came than they ever have for you can be a relationship killer.

If they are pouring more emotion into their fake character than they do into the relationship then things may not turn out so well.

Sharing your feelings about their video game addiction may make you feel like an attention- seeking nag but it really is important to do if you feel like your relationship is at risk.

It is not fun watching your boyfriend or girlfriend being in a virtual mind for hours on end when you are trying to spend time with them.

It is also extremely annoying if you are sitting there watching them play their video game and they start talking to you about the game and think that you care.

If you wanted to play the video game then you would. Maybe they are trying to include you or start a conversation about what interests them but there are other ways to do it.

I personally do not care if you just ambushed the enemy base or if someone just declared war on you.

I am already annoyed enough sitting here watching you play the stupid game I really do not need a play by play as to what is happening.

If you are constantly playing video games you also run the risk of having your significant other feel like they are boring you.

If you always need to be amused by a video game in their presence, it will leave your boyfriend or girlfriend feeling like they are not good enough or entertaining enough for you.

Again, playing video games in moderation is completely fine and it is important to do the things that interest you. However, there are a number of reasons why spending hours on end, each day playing video games, will have some negative effects on your life, including your relationship.

When you are on your deathbed, you will not be thinking about how many games you won on NHL or how many people you killed on Call of Duty.

Instead, you will be thinking about your wife or husband, your children and your experiences with people you were close with.

So start prioritizing your time and ease up on how much time you commit to video games and your relationship will inevitably benefit.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.