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When J and I were dating and even early in our marriage, before
kids, I hated his xbox like a jealous girlfriend. “Do you you mind if I
play a quick game?” was usually met with rolling eyes and a “No, it’s
fine” that, even to the thickest of men, would have been quite obvious
that, yes, I minded tremendously.
Then, our girls came along. Daytime xbox, when I could use his help
or a break – not having it. No way. You’re on duty buddy. Nighttime
xbox when the girls are in bed and I’m trying to unwind? Bring it on!
He’s busy, he works long hours, he gets home with a only a few hours
before bed, which doesn’t leave much time for other hobbies. xbox is
perfect. He goes up to play. I’m downstairs. Alone. No one needs me, no
one wants to be around me. It’s just wonderful.
Then came…”Why don’t you go up and play a game?” “Nah” “Oh, come on, you need to relax and unwind.”
No J, seriously. Go up and play. I have some reading to do. Then,
the unthinkable happened. It broke. Twice. At first, he thought it was
a big deal…then he lost interest. I encouraged him to go buy a new one.
He didn’t. Seriously? Why not? “Because we don’t get much time together
and I can live without it.”
Noooooooo! Didn’t you hear me? I have no problem with you going out
and buying a new piece of electronic equipment. None. I won’t say a
word. I’ll even drive you to the store. Doesn’t that sound nice?
So this past weekend, we were visiting friends and they had a
functioning xbox. They played. J got hooked again. One guess where we
went shopping today? Hallelujeh!!! He’s upstairs setting it up as I
type. Now, I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before I start getting
annoyed at him when he’s playing. Since he will likely read this, I
shall set some ground rules that I can easily live with:
1. Daytime playing will likely be frowned upon unless one or both girls is with you.
2. Nightime playing must be quiet. You wake either of the girls, and you deal with them.
3. If you see me sitting on the couch without my laptop, a book or
other distraction, it is likely not a good time for you to play. In
other words, I expect you to develop ESP and know exactly when I’m not
up for alone time.
Follow the rules…we’ll be all set. xbox, my friend, I welcome you
with open arms. I might even venture up to play Galaga or Bejeweled.
But, I am warning you – do not cross me. If you wake up my household or
somehow make J not actually want to spend time with me, I will end you.
Got it?
