TV or WOW... is one worse?

[thorlock]

A recurring conversation when I'm get into playing WOW:

Wife "Why do you play on the computer so much?"

me "I sit on the computer while you sit in front of the TV!"

Wife "Yeah, but I can talk when I'm watching TV, you don't even acknowledge my existence while you play."

me "Yeah, but at least I have to think while I'm playing..."

Wife "Are you saying I'm stupid? You're an addicted ##@#@@#!"

me "Do I have to say the obvious you #@#@#!"

Wife silence

me silence

If only I could get her to play.

[GeneSlicer]

It really doesnt matter what you are doing, its that you two are not doing something together that is the root of her ire. Frankly any hobby/activity can trigger this reaction, as she is feeling left out of your life.

Only thing I can suggest is to put it more plainly so at least the two of you are not insulting each other. You to her: "I want to do something with you hun, but TV isnt really very interesting." rather than " but at least I have to think while I'm playing".

You need to talk this out with her now, it will only fester and grow if you leave it to rot.

[Swoop]

Agree with the above poster. Insulting each other is going to do nothing to resolve the issue, it will only make it worse. Given what you describe, you're going to change her mind gently, and if the situation has already deteriorated to the state above, you're going to have to sacrifice some WoW time to get her into the frame of mind where she'll even listen, regardless of whether you feel you're in the right and she's wrong.

I agree that the root of the problem is that she feels you're ignoring her. (which you may well be doing, I know I can get pretty engrossed in WoW sometimes) Spend some time with her watching a movie or some TV, and then let her know that you're going to play some WoW. Try to avoid phrases like "This next show is stupid, I'm going to play WoW", because it can be construed that you're implying she's stupid for watching it. Use words like "I'm not really that interested in this show, so I'm going to play some WoW".

Once the tension between you is somewhat reduced, try and show her what you're doing. Find a time when you don't have to concentrate really hard, but it's somewhat interesting, even if it's just pretty scenery and let her see what you're doing. Take the time to explain what you're doing and why. If you're lucky, she may get a bit of understanding about why you may tune her out. Don't expect her to want to play based on your demonstration, and be aware she may never want to play. What you're aiming for is an understanding on her behalf that it's not just "that stupid game that takes time away from me", but something that is a genuine interest to you, and something that does require more concentration than just watching TV.

Always remember, relationships are more important than WoW time, and your wife may never reach a point where she's fully accepting of your play time. If this happens, you're going to have to compromise on how much time you spend on WoW, and how much time you spend with her.

[Carthmason]

I have to agree as well. My wife is not into playing online games at all. However, she gives me my play time because she work's 3rd shift at the restaurant and I work 1st or 2nd normally. We spend alot of time together when I am not playing. She allows me to play as well because I do all the cooking, dishes and the grocery shopping. I do all this and she does all the cleaning. It is a great trade off. We both however, have to change the $%#% cat liter way to much. LOL

All together we both have what we each want. Each other and all of our different hobbies including WOW. She is the best friend I have ever had and I can't imagine living with out her any more.

[Blim]

Lol i use to watch tv all day long, then i met wow and jesus Why sit there being bored for hours on end when you can have fun countless of hours playing wow,

Wow wins for me tbh, I'll have the random movie night with my brother like tonight (sin city ftw) but apart from that WOW FTW

When my friends come around i normally sit there bored watching tv, he'll be saying bored, i'll be saying bored, If I'm playing wow he'll be like ZOMG LETS DO SOMETHING "where both 16 hes a chav" <me> like what <him> i dunna <me> thinking then stfu <him> moan moan moan

Honestly why be bored when you can play wow and have fun?

Ovi wow for me

[VESiEN]

Yeah my wife has the same view of WoW. I have tried to bribe her to play. I think she would like it once she started but she wont even look at it so she just complains about my playing. Those who have wives/girlfriends who play you don't realize how lucky you are. My guild gets a kick out of my "wife aggro" and it has become a huge joke since all of a sudden I will have to go no matter what we are doing. I let them know up front the situation and they are reasonable about my situation. I try to make sure I spend as much time with my wife as I can so I can get my Wow time when I want it.

[*Dementor*]

I was once addicted to TV, sitting there for countless hours after work until it was time to go to bed.

Then, I broke myself of TV and haven't watched in years, literally.

And one day a co-worker was talking about WoW and I started to show interest. A free 10 day trial invite showed up in my email one day, and well, here I am. And here I will stay.

[gimmpy]

I've had much difficulty in dealing with this one. One of the primary problems she has with wow is my complete engrossment into it. She can be wanting to ask a question and I won't even hear her. I am a very focused guy and with headphones on, it only amplifies that.
I have had to do a few things to appease her.
First and foremost, spend time with her. That meant giving up some wow time.
Second, make sure that my playing wow won't conflict with either my duties or spending time with the kids.
Third, try really hard to not ignore her and be accessible to help her with something, etc.
Getting my flying mount has been a big help there. At least I can fly up and not worry about coming back to a corpse. She also understands that if I'm engaged in battle, I need to finish killing the mob before I'm available.
Instances must be agreed upon beforehand. If she agrees, I am unaccessable/not there until done.
So far, we have been happy with that arrangement and although I'm always wanting just a few minutes more, I have to accept that if she is happy, I am so much happier too. Face it, we love our wives and spent all sorts of time and effort to win them. They still need to feel some of that.
Sorry if I'm rambling on and on, just that is what has worked for me.

[Zetra]

Obviously its not a TV vs WOW issue.

However when I talk to friends that dont play I use that argument to justify my time in front of the comp.

[fecker]

lol my wife got so sick of me and my 2 brothers talking about WoW she started a toon of her own, she loves it and and we all have long conversations at family get togethers. OFC the gamplay has to hold off till the Kids are in bed