Family life and gaming

[me_in_japan]

something I have noticed about my wife is, while she has zero interest in gaming, she can appreciate the effort that goes into painting minis. At first she was a bit "hmmmn" when I said it was art, but Ive amassed enough art books and paint and whatnot to convince her that there is something creative going on and that time spent painting is not time wasted. I even ask her for her opinion from time to time, stuff like "which of these colours do you reckon would look best on this guy's cloak?" and whatnot. Just small stuff to remind her that I dont disappear when I paint, and that Im aware she's in the room too (usually watching TV or playing the piano) Her artistic opinions are pretty much always good, btw.

She would definitely not like me gaming in the living room, but she's fine with me painting there. When I do airbrushing or other messy/smelly stuff I take it to the back room, and if im in there for too long she gets a bit cranky at being left alone/ignored. She HATES the strong smells aspect of the hobby (airbrush solvent, spray cans, varnishes etc.)

I think the key is to make it clear to your wife that she IS the most important thing in your life, and if she did ever say "quit the gaming or im outta here" you would, in fact, quit the gaming. You might not do it happily, but if it came right down to it, if she felt that strongly about it, then you would. As long as that is understood, then I think most reasonable people would be fine with it.

As you say, hobbies are very important. A lot of people here dont seem to appreciate that, but it doesnt mean they cant learn to.

[Admiral-Badruck]

One more thing I will add is my wife like the hobby because I like it. the same way I like Karate and CSI Miami she likes them so I like them. it that is not love I do not know what is..

[Spevna]

I think the key is to make it clear to your wife that she IS the most important thing in your life, and if she did ever say "quit the gaming or im outta here" you would, in fact, quit the gaming. .

If it ever gets to this point, you (a general you, not m_i_j) have one of two problems;

1) You are spending an unhealthy amount of time on your hobby and need some sense slapped into you.

OR

2) Your wife is unreasonable and you are probably better off without her.

[The Other Dave]

I think the key is to make it clear to your wife that she IS the most important thing in your life, and if she did ever say "quit the gaming or im outta here" you would, in fact, quit the gaming. .

If it ever gets to this point, you (a general you, not m_i_j) have one of two problems;

1) You are spending an unhealthy amount of time on your hobby and need some sense slapped into you.

OR

2) Your wife is unreasonable and you are probably better off without her.

Yeh. Ultimatums (ultimata?) are generally a Sign of Deep Underlying Problems.

[me_in_japan]

^ absolutely, absolutely.

The trick is to keep it clear that if this were to happen in a purely hypothetical sense then you'd quit. I think what Im trying to say is: make sure your wife is clear where your priorities lie.

I guess this is a bit of a no-brainer, but personally i have a bit of an obsessive personality, and i can easily spend 3-4 hours at a time painting in a wee world of my own. Ive found it best to make sure to pull myself out of my fugue every wee while and touch base with the missus.

If it ever gets to this point, you...have one of two problems;

1) ~~~~
2) Your wife is unreasonable

I dunno about you, chief, but my wife is a woman. "unreasonable" kinda goes with the territory...

[Spevna]

My wife is both reasonable and a woman. I am especially certain about the second part of that sentence as she is pregnant.

My wife is very reasonable. But then again, I don't make any unreasonable demands or do anything unreasonable.

I paint when my daughter has gone to bed. After a day spent with my daughter, my wife wants to unwind in front of the TV with a cup of tea. While she is doing that, I am either painting or lifting weights. None of these activities require both of us. After I work out and she has watched her shows we chat, have a cuppa and a biscuit until we go to bed.

No probs or agro from either of us.

[Admiral-Badruck]

I guess Spevna's way may be the safest way to deal with it...

[Spevna]

I guess Spevna's way may be the safest way to deal with it...

Safest? Possibly.

For me it is just the most practical.

[Admiral-Badruck]

practical is good too

[me_in_japan]

I am especially certain about the second part of that sentence as she is pregnant.

congratulations! I did not know that (the bit about her being pregnant. I knew she was a woman, obviously.)

when's the baby due?