'My guy is heavily into video games...'

Dear Diana

Dear Diana,
My guy is hooked to playing video games. He can spend hours in front of the TV and spends a great deal of money buying the latest games in the market. When I am around, he ignores me till he finishes the game. His brother is also a video games enthusiast, so the two keep going with their games till late night. He is so engrossed that often he does not even realise I am around. He then makes no attempt to have a conversation going, and I just sit around trying to get him to pay attention to me. Sometimes, when he pauses the game, he talks to me while grabbing a bite and then goes back to his game. I often visit his place during evenings after work, but sadly he can only think of his games. He tells me to stop cribbing and join the fun. What should I do? His parents also do not tell him anything. They say that's his hobby.
- Paloma


Illustration/Uday Mohite

Dear Paloma,
Your guy is hooked big time to playing video games. There are many out there who can spend hours in front of the TV or PC playing games, but in the case of your guy it is an addiction. Your constant cribbing will do no good as he might be glued to it even more. He may say it is a guy thing and you do not understand. At the same time, you need to address the issue with him. He needs to balance his time with you and his addiction. At times, you can also play along with him to get a feel of why he is obsessed with his games. If he does not balance his time, you then need to decide if you can be happy with him the way he is - or not. If it is the latter, you need to ask yourself whether you want to be in such a relationship. Also, as it is such a bother to you, try talking to the brother. If he stops playing, your guy will not have a partner and refrain from overdoing it.