What's to Love in a Gamer? Just About Everything

It’s a common stereotype that gamers don’t get the girls. There’s more than a few things wrong with the assumption seeing as some gamers are girls, some gamers are gay, and many gamers do, in fact, have a special someone. But, let’s face it, plenty of players are total smarm-dogs who ruin the reputations of perfectly adorable people. So, for all of my favorite gamer guys, this is why I love you.

You know how to play. Too many of us grow up to define success rigidly: money, property, offspring, maybe a boat. But beyond advancing their careers and mastering the perfect Half Windsor tie knot, gamer guys understand that there is a time and place for play. In my experience, gamers are tops in sense of humor and imagination. Take, for instance, the Left 4 Dead fanatic who helped me stake out the best place to defend against a horde of zombies at my Mom’s birthday party last week. Brilliant.

You know how to make a judgment call. I’m the kind of person who takes about three hours to decide what I want for dinner. That’s why I always appreciate the company of someone who will make quick decisions when they need making. A great gamer will size up the situation,

What are you in the mood for?

Something spicy!

Narrow the options,

Thai or Mexican?

Comida de Mexico!

And take action,

Get your coat.

Olé!

Knowing how to come through in any similar crisis makes you a hero to me.

You’re not too cool. Consider yourself a gamer? Then you’ve probably been called a geek. But in truth, most gamers I know are pretty together dudes. They don’t mind just being who they are and doing what they enjoy and frankly, that’s rare. In a world of people who listen to impressive music, enjoy impressive films, and drive impressive sport utility vehicles, I’m most impressed by a guy who likes who he is. Trust me, had it been around in the 1950s, The Fonz would have been down for some TF2 action, no questions asked.

You like me the way I am. I’m just as geeky as you are, and you don’t mind a bit. Most gamers are much more accepting of others’ quirks and oddities, understanding that everyone needs a place to channel their inner-child. Furthermore, in my experience, gamer guys are more likely to prefer a down-to-earth girl with less makeup and more personality—probably because a pair of 6” Jimmy Choos and lengthening mascara aren’t very practical for a late-night Katamari fest.

You’re so romantic. It’s hard to imagine in a world where Julia Roberts movies make or break the popular view of love, but the term romance classically refers to adventure. Gamers tend to get bored with the quotidian haze of modern life and look to games for excitement. Beyond that, they take the pursuit into the real world through an eagerness to try new foods, new activities, and see new places. Nobody keeps me on my toes like a true gamer.

Lastly but mostly, in my experience gamers tend to be a little timid when it comes to ‘fessing up. Even guys who seem like natural leaders or confidence kings in game are often humble and sometimes even shy in real life. That’s why it means so much more when you finally do come forward with your feelings. So to every silly, unique, and downright sweet gamer guy: you ought to know, you’re a catch!