To some, the term "Xbox" is a secondary lifestyle. While sounding slightly childish, this word brings comfort to those who prefer "virtual" friends over physical friends. Why would somebody prefer that, you ask? If you're asking that question, you're not alone. I used to ask that question, and honestly, sometimes I still do. My boyfriend is bonded with that gaming system like no other, and even though I'm not equal in that aspect, I've learned to respect it. He has a group of friends that rely on him, and who find the same comfort in a game that provides an exposure to relaxation. No, they're not doing virtual yoga sessions together. But they get to complete missions while working together to achieve one goal. These friends join parties together, mostly playing the same game, and play either ranked or noncompetitive games.
The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions for most citizens around the world. While the world is practicing a new life of "Social Distancing", those whose friends are virtual don't have the same problems the rest of us are facing. Mostly, these friends never get the chance to even meet physically. All they have to do is log on, and almost automatically they're being invited to join a "party" and boom- they're joined together and playing. No worries of the Coronavirus, the only virus they need to worry about is an enemy of their group hacking their system and kicking them off their own WiFi (Yeah, I'm calling out TSB. You guys SUCK).
Now, for girlfriends (and boyfriends!) whose partners play most of the night, we have our own problems. Some days, we want that "thing" (yes, you and I are both cringing because we both know how the "thing" makes us go crazy) to accidentally catch fire, or to grow legs and run far, far away from their owners. But we forget how lucky we are to have partners who would rather spend their nights at home playing, rather than going out and doing worse things. We are lucky. Most people who play Xbox religiously are miles more loyal than those who don't. They keep their word to their game nights, to their gaming groups (KSI, TSB, etc.), and that doesn't end with the Xbox. Those traits carry on with their normal lives! If they give their all to a game, they will give their all to you, their work, and their families. Gamers aren't losers who have no ambition in life, they're just more interested in finding people who have the same interests and beating the bosses. They'd rather stay at home and save money, than go out clubbing and getting drunk every weekend. In my personal opinion, these people should be viewed with a different appreciation than how they are.
Now, I know my boyfriend is going to read this and call me a hypocrite. I absolutely know it, and I also know that some nights it's hard to not want to walk up and press the little white button, ending all of my troubles. But I am thankful for how reliable he is to his people, and how much effort he does put into his guys. I get my time, and then he gets his. Nothing is better than being in my space and hearing his ridiculously loud laugh every now and then. Girls, if your man is playing consistently and you want him to feel appreciated, just make him a drink without asking. Bring it to him, and let him know that you are lucky to have a loyal man in your life. Be thankful he'd rather be at home instead of leaving you behind to go to the bar. Appreciate what you have, and let him relax in his ways, even if you don't understand.