How to Get Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend to Play Video Games with You

Having a hard time convincing your girlfriend she should play Uncharted: Drake's Fortune with you? Or does your boyfriend think PlayStation 3's SingStar is simply too girly for his taste? Whatever the reason, it boils down to one problem: your boyfriend or girlfriend is misinformed about playing video games.

To girls, playing video games might seem nerdy. To guys, who ordinarily don't need much coaxing to plunk down on the couch and start yelling at the screen, maybe it's a matter of video game content rather than an aversion to playing video games themselves.

No matter what your boyfriend or girlfriend's excuse, there's ways to convince them to play video games with you. Here's some of the best things to do - and to avoid - when selling your significant other on the idea of playing video games.

Part One: Brainy Ideas
Excuse: "But it's such a waste of time!"

Resolution: Unless your boyfriend or girlfriend is a workaholic, they're going to spend some time each day relaxing or having a little fun regardless. Watching a movie or favorite TV show, surfing the Internet and going shopping can all be included in the "waste of time" category, so that excuse doesn't really hold water. You could try reasoning with them, or just make a bargain instead.

Tell him or her that you'll spend one night watching whatever movie or show they want in return for playing video games for a certain number of hours. Try to make the time spent each way equal so the other party doesn't feel stiffed.

Excuse: "But I don't know how to play!"

Resolution: I've got news for you - there's a first time for everyone. Offer a 15-30 minute hands-on session with your partner before officially beginning the video game. Patiently show him or her the basic maneuvers - how to move characters in all directions; how to switch, reload and shoot weapons; how to find treasure; how to climb around obstacles.

In other words, do anything within your power to help them figure out gameplay and navigation, as this will make them feel more confident about their playing abilities.

Excuse: "I HATE video games - you know that!"

Resolution: Try to explore the reasons he or she doesn't like video games. Do they have carpal tunnel? Do they hate sitting in front of a TV? Did they play them nonstop as a kid? Did their friends tease them if they couldn't win a game?

Chances are, if you promise to keep criticism to a minimum, he or she will be at least willing to try. Again, bargaining might work, too. Offer to do a task around the house, or be willing to participate in an event or project that you hate equally as much as your partner hates video games. Make it look like you want them to play so badly, you're willing to make a sacrifice.

Part Two: Things to Avoid

For Girlfriends: Guys, there is one thing you must realize about girls and video games. We don't like staring at scantily clad women on a video game. Not only is it a little weird, it's tantamount to real live competition. If we think you're playing a game because you like looking at "her," that's a real turnoff.

Now granted, there are few age-appropriate games that don't contain sultry, half-dressed women. But if you can keep it to a bare minimum, that's all the better for you.

In a separate vein, some girls (not me, incidentally) aren't that much into action and game violence. While I really can't relate here, I understand where they're coming from. Not everyone likes to sit down and go on a virtual killing spree as a mercenary or enlisted soldier. Same thing goes for sports. So think about playing Guitar Hero with your girlfriend instead of Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty.

For Boyfriends: Let's face it, girls. Unless your guy has a great voice, is a real show-off or a drama king, he might not be too thrilled about song and dance video games. If you want him to play games with you, they can't be too girly. Games like Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves are great options for guys and girls. Of course, musical games such as Guitar Hero, DJ Hero and Rock Band are typically a big hit with guys, too.

And be flexible. If your boyfriend is willing to play video games with you so long as he can rent the latest installment of Modern Warfare, make a concession, if only just this once.

Part Three: Consoles

Many video games are single player only, which takes out all the "together time" aspects your partner might want. Consider playing games on the Nintendo Wii, like Wii Sports, for starters, that let up to four people play. If your partner isn't a big sports fan, start out with bowling - you can't go wrong with bowling, right?

If you're more of a PlayStation person, take turns frequently. Once you get past one shooting scene in a game, hand off the controller so your significant other doesn't bore themselves to tears. Oftentimes, musical games like SingStar really are great options for couples - especially if you buy song packs with songs that both of you like with ranges both of you can sing.