Girlfriend Accuses Boyfriend of Being ‘Selfish’ for Not Giving Up Video Games Because She Feels ‘Ignored’

A 28-year-old man is questioning his relationship after a disagreement with his girlfriend over how he spends his free time.

In a post on Reddit, he explained that he enjoys playing video games a couple of hours, two to three nights a week, usually with friends. He emphasized that he works full-time, handles his responsibilities, and makes sure to spend his weekends with his 26-year-old girlfriend — going out to cafes, seeing movies and shopping together.

“My girlfriend (26F) does not really have a hobby and gets bored easily,” he wrote. “She says that when I play games, she feels ignored, even if we already spent time together earlier. She also says gaming is ‘pointless’ and that I should stop because it is unfair that I have something I enjoy when she does not.”

He said he tried to offer a compromise. “I told her I am happy to help her find a hobby or something she likes, but I do not want to give up mine just because she has none,” he continued. “She got upset and said I am selfish for choosing games over her, and now she is distant and irritated with me.”

Unsure what to think, he turned to the Reddit community: “Now I am wondering if I handled this wrong or if she is being unfair. AITA for not giving up gaming?”

Hundreds of commenters weighed in, and many felt the core issue wasn’t gaming at all, but compatibility and boundaries.

One user suggested that the pair are “probably not compatible,” warning that if this pattern continues, “you will never get time to yourself and she will always rely on you to keep her entertained, which will exhaust you over time.”

Another commenter argued that her expectations are unreasonable. “It is not your responsibility to give up something that you’re doing because she’s bored,” they wrote. “Quite frankly, I question why you’re in a relationship with someone who is so incredibly selfish that she wants you to give up something you enjoy because she doesn’t have a hobby.”

Others pointed out that, based on his description, he seems to be balancing his life well. “Since you take care of your responsibilities and only game a few nights a week, I don’t see anything wrong with it,” one user replied.