Here is a compilation of the things I know about dating a gamer, for all of you out there who have gaming boyfriends or girlfriends.

Why dating a gamer is the best thing since the N64:

They’re super smart.

Solving puzzles and reacting to hordes of zombies at lightening speed… Good games promote good learning.

Typically, they can help you with your tech problems.

They’re patient.

They know what it’s like to stare at loading screens every 2 seconds. They have had to try to beat the same level for 4 hours.

You running late? No problem.

They’re constant.

You don’t have to worry that they won’t be around when you need them. They probably prefer nights in, so they’ll pretty much always be there for you.

They’re always up for friendly competition.

They’ll let you win… sometimes. Don’t brag too hard when that happens; they’ll obliterate you next time.

They’re determined and success driven.

They’ll work for what they want, because they know exactly what their goal is and they’re willing to put in the time and effort for it. Even if that means foregoing sleep. But they're even more willing to put in time and effort for your relationship.

.

They want to win your heart.

They know all about working to win the girl’s heart from when they had to save Zelda from Ganon and Peach from Bowser, so of course they want to win your heart, too.

They understand if you need ‘me time.’

They need their own space, too.

They're good at multitasking.

Gamers are usually really good at multitasking, which is a good skill to have.

They learn from their mistakes

They’re low maintenance.

Gift giving is awesome, easy, and they’ll appreciate it.

More on that later.

They care about others.

This is especially evident if they play team-oriented games. They will never leave a man down

Tips on dating a gamer:

Find something you both love.

If you aren’t super into gaming, they’ll try to find a game right up your alley. They want to spend time together doing things you’ll both love. Maybe first-person shooters aren’t for you, but hey, maybe Wii Bowling or Mario Kart is.

They will get incredibly competitive.

Just have fun with it.

Be patient.

You’re going to hear, “Yeah, we can go out after this round!” almost more than you’d like. Love it, it means they want to finish what they start.

Give some gifts that show you’re paying attention to what they love.

Zelda t-shirt? Check. Ps4 game? Check. 3DS case? Yes please.

They do want you to be interested in their game.

Learn more about it and be genuinely interested. But asking them what each things is and distracting them while they’re trying to stay alive is probably not the best idea.

It may seem irrational how mad they get when they lose.

Remember, that is hours of work. It is not irrational.

Let him have his time.

If you need quality one-on-one time, let him play and then hang out, or play the game with him. Do not distract him during the game. Let him concentrate

Dates are nice.

Sometimes, sitting on the couch playing games is nicer. Sometimes they’ll just prefer to stay in, and that can be some really relaxing quality time.

They will be genuinely sad when they make it to their personal best round of Black Ops and die.

Do not laugh. Do not say, "it's just a game!" Console.