"You're awesome," she said, smiling as she handed me back the Xbox controller.

"I am?" I was genuinely surprised at the remark. Used to touting my own awesomeness, I am unaccustomed to having the praise heaped upon me. "Why do you say that?"

"Because you let me play games with you. You share and are patient." She gave me the sweetest, most honest look.

I smiled at her, appreciative of the comment and curious that she would feel that way. "Well, I'm not 'letting' you play with me. We're playing together... I want to game with you, and want you to enjoy gaming with me."

She returned my smile and added a hug.

"See, that's why you're awesome!"



This discourse took place a few weeks ago and although it might be paraphrased a bit (damn my lack of a photographic memory) I assure you it is an accurate representation of events. I was thoroughly enjoying "Penny Arcade Adventures", whiling away hours on the couch while the girlfriend took the opportunity to do some chores and tasks around her house she had been putting off. From time to time she would come over to the couch to say hello and see what was going on in the game.

At one point she sat down next to me. I was at a part in the game where you have to engage in a few mini games to move forward. Taking place in a carnival setting, these games involve your standard carnival fare: popping balloons, toppling bottles, and the boardwalk favorite skee ball. I took a crack at them and then, without warning or much forethought, simply handed her the controller and prompted her to "give it a shot."

She gave me a little pleased look that said, "Really?" and proceeded to happily partake in the mini games, showing particular proficiency for virtual skee ball. She enjoyed herself, and I enjoyed watching her.

This simple act of gaming kindness prompted the exchange I lead with (re: my awesomeness). I guess I should thank my parents for teaching me how to share.

Now, it should be said that my girlfriend isn't your run-of-the-mill, ordinary, boring girl. She's a geek, like us. She did well in school, has been to a few Ren-Faires in her time, quotes Monty Python when appropriate (and even when not), and has her fair share of experience with THAC0. Gaming is in her nature, though she doesn't play nearly as often as I do.

Having said all this about her background, she still thanks me for "letting" her play video games with me. She even apologizes if we fail a tough song in Rock Band or lose a doubles match in Halo 3, as if I'd somehow be mad.

It seems so simple and obvious to me to share my gaming with her--it's, quite frankly, awesome that she takes an interest in my hobby. Yet, she thanks me for being patient, and apologizes for "not being very good". She's genuinely appreciative of my efforts to play with her and happy I don't get mad at her for "sucking". Apparently, my behavior must be the exception, when I assumed it was the rule.

So, here's a lesson for any guys out there who want their girlfriend to game with you. Expose them to a lot of different games. Don't force it. Be patient. Be a good sport. Basically, be a good boyfriend, and you may find yourself in couples gaming bliss.