I went to our FRG meeting last night. Partly for the information, and partly because I know I need to step out and try and meet people. That is a big admission for me. I’m not good at it. I never have been. I got lucky in Alaska, my friends all came to me one way or another. So, I admitted to myself that I needed to make the effort. I took a deep breath, and off I went.
Things started out well. Before I knew it I was having a nice conversation about hobbies with one of the wives at my table. I got comfortable. Maybe TOO comfortable. When asked about hobbies and crafts I made the mistake of being honest. I said I wasn’t crafty really, but I enjoy blogging, photography, image editing, and …playing World of Warcraft. POOF! she disappeared like her ass was on fire. It’s the same EVERY. Time.
WoW players, and Gamers in general tend to see this reaction alot. There is a false image of them as basement dwelling creeps with no social life. And do you know what dawned on me? Well no wonder! Every time someone finds out that your hobby is a video game, especially an immersive one like WoW, they jump back like you might burn them. Sure as hell makes me not want to bother trying.
I don’t WANT to make the effort if I have to “lie” about myself. If I can’t be me, I can’t be bothered. And you know what? It’s THEM that will miss out. WoW is a game that thrives on social skills, critical thinking, and ability to work well with others. The things you would THINK you would want in meeting new people.
Yes, I play WoW, I blog, and you know what? I’m good at it, and I love it. I’m also a pretty good photographer, listener, and friend. I’m not going to “leave that out” in a conversation about “what do you enjoy?”. Anymore than I’ll deny having a kickass tattoo, or loving country music. I don’t discriminate against any of them for being years younger than me, or less experienced with the army life. In fact, I could be a hell of an asset, being the kickass hooah army wife that I am, I have alot of knowledge and understanding to offer. I am friggin AWESOME as a matter of fact, and if my playing WoW, and blogging, and in general being a geekish redneckish woman keeps you from seeing it? Well your loss.
But I’ll always be the girl I am
And when Life comes falling down on me I do the best I can
And I never make make apologies cause I don’t give a damn
I guess I’ll always be the girl I am
I know what you mean. Anytime people find out I play WoW, they always say something like ‘oh, i don’t think i can ever play that because i have an addictive personality’ or mention what a waste of time it is like it’s an attempt to make me feel bad. I freaking hate that.
Yeah that’s annoying too. People can be stupid, and doubly so when it’s female to female! What I mean by that is “girls can be cruel” doesn’t stop after high school.
-coughs uncomfortably-
There’s a reason I moved my RL blog off a subdomain of my WoW site. I didn’t want RL type people seeing I played it.
Sure, I have close friends who play, and others who know, but there’s just this huge (Stupid!) feeling of negativity towards it that I just… don’t tell people.
And that’s what I’m pissed about. i immediately thought to myself “oh damn I shouldn’t have said anything” but…ya know what? Why the hell not! I say we all rebel!
Just how old are these people that they are so much younger than you? What with the stepford wives comment of a couple of days ago I now have a fixed image of you in a sea of groomed blonde chippies barely out of their teens.
Bingo! most are barely in their 20′s! The stepford comment was from our last deployment in 05/06 but yeah, young chippies everywhere…lol
Sorry you encountered that kind of reaction But let’s face it, is someone who judges you and bolts based on a radical sterotype really the kind of person you would want to be friends with?
I have friends who don’t play wow. One views it as an unhealthy type of activity, like I am doing something dirty, and another just laughs and calls it dungeouns and dragons. I try not to get offended, but it can be hard. I have always loved games, and I will not change who I am to please other’s, no matter how much I value their friendship. Nor should you.
But seriously, who cares what hobbies a person has? I have friends who enjoy horse riding (what is THAT about?) and I am perfectly happy to talk about that with them, and show an interest in their lives. It is possible to be friends with someone without having to do everything with them!
Don’t let anyone else make you feel bad about the things in life that give you pleasure. If they are that judgemental then they are not the friend for you! Good on you for trying ….. don’t let one narrow-minded git scare you off having a social circle you can enjoy outside of internet.
‘what did you do this weekend?’ ‘oh, just relaxed’
‘what did you do this holiday then?’ ‘oh, just took it easy and stayed at home’
my collegues think I’m a lazy bum most likely, but better that then they compare me with with there 12-13 year old sons that play WoW as well – and even if they have the game in house, there is no understanding about what can really be done in game. But like you said, their loss – if they don’t want to know all of you, they can go /bonk themselves!
I can totally relate. I am new to an area and have no idea to meet people — I wish I had the Army network that you do, but unfortunately I’m single. I have had the same reaction from people at some of the meetup groups I’ve tried to go to — they just don’t get the game and most look at it as a derogatory thing. This game has been a godsend for me during this transition as I was able to bring all my WoW friends with me. I just wish there was an easy way to meet other fellow gamers in this area in RL who won’t look at me like I’m from some foreign planet.
The network isn’t really there. That’s the problem. It’s only there for those that “fit”. I just don’t, and I won’t conform…lol