Another long day has gone by, and you cannot wait for your husband to get home so you can relax. You envision a quiet evening where you can indulge in your hobbies and practice self-care.
Instead, your husband comes home and goes straight to the couch to turn on his Playstation. He barely even acknowledges you or your children. You sigh and pick up the shoes and socks he threw across the floor as he arrived home and open your UberEats app to order dinner.
Usually, you would cook dinner, but today is one of those days you simply do not have the energy to do so. Today is one of those days that the burden of your husband’s video game addiction feels too heavy to carry.
Unfortunately, this is the reality for many couples. Their spouse’s addiction to video games interferes with daily life. They start to abandon household responsibilities such as cleaning and laundry and even stop spending quality time with the family.
This interference becomes unmanageable, and you need to address the situation before it gets ultimately out of control.
Determine If It’s An Outlet
As humans, we all need the opportunity to unwind and relax. Some go to the spa, others dig their noses into books, and some spend hours at the gym after work to blow off some steam.
It could be that your husband is utilizing video games as an outlet after a long day. Video games became a coping mechanism that helps him deal with stress.
He may not even realize that it is becoming obsessive. Once you can determine if this is his outlet, you will be better able to understand him and get to the root of what is causing him so much stress, anxiety, and burden.
Schedule Time As A Compromise
We should all be allowed to indulge in the things that bring us joy. However, it becomes problematic when we push aside responsibilities in the name of “fun.”
Speak to your husband and set up a schedule where he can still have the opportunity to play video games but also help you around the house. You can even schedule a weekly date night to reconnect with one another and relax together.
This way, he will not feel so restricted and as if you are trying to control his time.
Communicate
Amiga, it is vital for you to express how you feel. Don’t swallow your feelings just because your husband helps pay the bills and is not ‘abusive.’
A marriage is a group effort, and your needs are not met via only financial means. It needs love, understanding, and commitment. Communicate with him that his excessive gaming makes you feel lonely and neglected and how this impacts your marriage.
He may not have even noticed the consequences of his gaming on your mental health.
But remember, even after trying to talk things through, he may not realize that this is a problem. It is okay to ask a specialist for help. Consider couple’s counseling so you may better understand one another and find ways to strengthen your relationship and compromise.
Video game addiction is not easy to manage, but with the right tools and help, you will be able to overcome this together.