Video games are a world of their own, offering players an opportunity to immerse themselves, and providing a temporary escape from daily stressors. According to research, this form of cognitive escapism can lead to significant relaxation and improved mental health. Open-world games, known for their expansive and interactive environments, are believed to allow players to experience a sense of freedom and autonomy, busting stress, and enhancing mood.
Engaging in gaming can also activate important chemicals in the brain, benefiting social connections, mental well-being, and creativity. Video games can help individuals connect with their inner child and manage difficult emotions better.
Balancing personal time and relationship dynamics
While it can be difficult to watch one's partner prioritise a machine over you, mutually agreeing on a reasonable amount of time in the day for this can actually be good for your relationship. A good way to make peace with it is to take it as their time for self-care.
Just as self-care is proven to allow a person to be their best selves, so can allowing gamers the time to game in peace. It acknowledges their need for personal space and aligns with the "Let Them" theory, a concept which advocates for relinquishing the need to control others' behaviours and judgments. Implementing this approach involves setting boundaries and trusting partners to make their own decisions, leading to better relationships.
Enhancing relationships through shared gaming experiences
While personal gaming time is important, sharing this interest with your partner can also strengthen relational bonds. Cooperative (co-op) video games require players to work together towards common goals, fostering trust, communication, and teamwork. These elements are crucial for building long-lasting relationships. Games like "It Takes Two" and "Unravel Two" are designed specifically for co-op play, encouraging partners to collaborate and support each other within the game.
Playing video games with a partner is linked to better relationship satisfaction. Married couples who play as a team tend to be happier than those who do not, possibly due to common goals and shared challenges that help bring them closer.
Communicating the need for gaming time
For gamers, it's important to communicate to their partners how important game time is to them. One individual shared their experience on Reddit, explaining that video games have been their escape for many years, helping them relax and momentarily leave the stresses of the world behind. They emphasised that gaming is a form of self-care, similar to other activities people engage in to unwind.
Our advice: say it to your partner, not to strangers on a random site. And partners, if gamers respect you enough to lay it straight to you, level it back up — there's room for both you and that console in there.
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