What it takes to be a Gamer's wife/girlfriend

This is the only aspect in my life where it helps to be an introvert.  It takes a special kind of woman to be and stay a gamer's (read: video game player) girlfriend or wife.
A gamer is in some aspects like an introvert.  They like to game when they are happy, upset, tired, frustrated.  It's almost like a self soother to them, it helps them recharge from life.  This is where it takes that special kind of woman.  You can't take it personally when they choose to game instead of spending time with you or paying attention to you.  Don't get me wrong, they do need to spend some time with you, they just can't spend every minute paying attention to you.  It takes some getting used to.  Society says that someone shows love by wanting to constantly be with you.  Anyone who has been in a long term relationship knows, you need to have some time away from each other.  You need some independence from each other or things will end in disaster.
When I first met my husband I had previous experience with a gamer so it wasn't a complete culture shock.  However, that relationship didn't last near as long and the commitment wasn't there.  So once I moved in with my husband, then boyfriend, it took some adjustment.  If you don't take control of it, it can take over.  You need to set some boundaries that work for the both of you.  Don't try to change him by getting rid of gaming, it will only cause resentment.  For my husband and I we have set nights that we spend together and the others he is free to game and I do whatever I want.  On our set nights we make it a rule to not touch computers, video game consoles or even our phones if we can.  Its a night designed for us to reconnect and just chill together.  Or if you're into it and on occasion I am, find a game you both like and game together.  I would recommend co-op games such as Halo, Borderlands, Gears of War or Mario Party and World of Keflings if you're into the more whimsical storylines. 

Don't read this as I have got my shit together.  At times it is still a struggle; and we've been together for 9 years now.  I am lucky enough to have a tight knit group of other couples that the husbands/boyfriends are gamers as well.  Every once in a while we will all get together and have a night of board games which interest both parties.  It helps to know others in the same scenario.  You don't feel judged when you see one of them and they ask where your significant other is and you have to tell them "he's in the basement, gaming".  They get it, gaming is not just for kids any more.  Some of the older generation doesn't get that yet, they see it as lazy or immature.  The world is changing though and this is a common part of it, and there is nothing wrong with it.  We all have our vices or outlets.  As with everything in life it seems it's all about moderation and understanding. 
So, whether you're new to the world of being a gamer's significant other or a 10 year veteran..just understand it takes patience, understanding and a wee bit of controlling!