"His game playing is ruining our relationship"

Dear Sarah,

Giving him an ultimatum is an option, and actually a very good one.

I understand you don’t want to take away his fun, but he doesn’t seem to have a problem taking the pleasure and happiness away from your relationship. It sounds to me like your guy runs the show while you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around him. Well guess what? This is your relationship too, and you have every right to confront Mr. Gameboy about your hurt feelings.

While I do think that in a healthy relationship both individuals should make ample time for their own hobbies and activities, in this case it seems your boyfriend’s game-playing is taking over his life – not to mention yours too! And what really bothers me is the fact that when you try to discuss this with him he gets angry and turns the situation around to make you out to be the bad guy. Not cool, Sarah. Not cool.

The way I see it you’ve got two choices. One, since you don’t want to ruin his fun, continue to let him ignore and neglect you while he spends all his time with his beloved video games. Or two, put your foot down, demand the respect, time and attention you deserve and slap him with an ultimatum that forces him to choose between you and the computer screen. And if he chooses the games, good riddance! Look at it as a great opportunity to meet a guy who prefers gazing into your lovely eyes rather than Super Mario’s.

Good luck!
- Marissa