What Are The Benefits of Gaming as a Couple?
Finding time to connect as a couple can be difficult, especially when you're busy with work and other commitments. Games, whether that be video or board games, can be a fun way to relax and unwind as a couple because they offer a unique mix of cooperation, friendly competition and also entertainment. With that in mind, let's take a look at the benefits of gaming together as a couple.
The rise of gaming in relationships
Gaming was once thought of as a solitary activity, but in today's world it has become an activity that can be enjoyed by couples. Video games have evolved into more narrative and cooperative experiences, meaning they're more couple friendly. Because of this, couples around the world are now beginning to enjoy video games together, whether it's competitively drifting on Need for Speed or enjoying building houses in the Sims.
Improves communication
One of the most important aspects of any relationship is effective communication. If you and your partner find it difficult to find time to communicate properly, then gaming together may help improve this. Not only can you have idle chit chat while you're gaming, but some games will require you to discuss strategies and make decisions in real time to succeed in the games you're playing. Because of this, your communication levels will improve, and you may even find that your gaming time is when you sit down and talk about what matters the most.
Builds teamwork and trust
If you're playing a game that involves players working together to achieve a common goal, you need to rely on and trust who you're playing with. This can range from coming up with the right strategy in board games like chess right through to a multiplayer video game. By playing these games you're not only working together as a team and trusting each other, but you're also translating that into your relationship. By gaming together, you learn to trust each other's judgements, understand where your strengths lie and also work together more efficiently.
Teaches conflict resolution
No matter how compatible you are as a couple, every couple argues from time to time, and gaming can be a great way of dealing with pent up frustration. If you're playing a competitive game, you're allowing different parts of your personality to come out, which can help with any petty feelings you may have about one and other. Not only that, as you learn to deal with disappointments within the game, you learn how to resolve any conflicts amicably which in turn, will lead to a healthier relationship.
Helps relieve stress
Dealing with stress can be difficult, but dealing with two people that are stressed for different reasons is a much bigger challenge. That's where gaming comes in. Gaming offers a much needed escape for your and your partner because it allows you to immerse yourself in another world for a short time. You get to experience fun, excitement, and challenges you enjoy taking on without having to think about what is stressing you out in the first place. While this can be achieved alone, doing it together can be a great way of relieving stress and improving your relationship.
Gives you a shared interest
While it's important to pursue your own hobbies and interests, it's important to have shared interests as a couple to ensure your relationship stays interesting. And, gaming is perfect for that. It gives you a platform where you can create shared memories and experiences. Whether it's beating a high score together or laughing because one of you fell off a cliff, those memories will help keep your relationship strong.
Encourages healthy competition
There's nothing wrong with some good old healthy competition, and when you're gaming together you get exactly that. Playfully mocking one and other when you don't hit the target or get first place is a great way of building a deeper bond in a relationship. Not only that, but competing against your partner also encourages you to improve your skills ready for the next time, meaning each time you play together you're better than the time before. Plus, who doesn't like a good bit of banter while enjoying their favourite game?!
Helps understand each other better
There's a good chance that you feel like you know your partner well enough, but you'll find that when you're gaming together you see a different side to their personality, and they will too. Things like how you react to a challenge, how you express joy or frustration, and also how you make decisions will all come to light when you game together as a couple. Not only will you learn more about the person you love, but it can help build empathy and appreciation for each other.
Bridges the distance in long distance relationships
If you're in a long distance relationship, you'll know all too well how difficult it can be being away from your partner. Gaming can be a great tool to ensure you always have some sort of connection. Online gaming allows you to engage in an activity together in real-time, which helps bridge that physical distance for both of you. It doesn't matter whether you're playing the same game either! If you have a webcam, you can simply enjoy gaming at the same time and chat while you're doing it!
Promotes inclusivity
Everyone has different interests, and there's a good chance you and your partner do when it comes to games too. Where you might enjoy downing bosses in World of Warcraft, your partner might enjoy a good game of Mario Kart. It's all about finding that middle ground to find something you can enjoy together. Thankfully, thanks to vast amounts of games available right now, that shouldn't be too difficult. What's even better is that you can choose games that are suitable for everyone, so you could even turn your date night into a double-date night.
Enhances creativity and imagination
It's no secret that gaming inspires creativity and imagination, but did you know it can translate directly into your relationship too? As mentioned earlier, when you're gaming, you learn new things about your partner. Not only do you learn how they handle challenging situations, but you also pick up information regarding their interests. Because of this, you can be spontaneous and enrich their lives with the information you've learned. For example, you may have noticed that your boyfriend loves Waluigi, so you can give them a plush toy or a t-shirt with his face on it. These small details will make a world of difference in your relationship inside and outside of the gaming world.
A fun social activity
Finally, gaming together as a couple can be a very fun social activity. Not only are you playing together or against each other and communicating that way, but you may interact with other players online and form lasting friendships that are beneficial for both you and your partner. Gaming can also be a great way to break the ice at a gathering, so the next time you're hosting, why not switch on the Wii and play together to get the conversation flowing?
Gaming is way more than just a hobby, and as you can see, it can be a very beneficial part of your relationship. If you're looking for something special to do as a couple, why not try your hand at a few games? Whether it's a board game or a video game, gaming is better when you do it with someone that you love.
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