Of course, life seldom imitates art, and if that particular gamer image was ever true, it belongs more in the pages of history than the present day. Gaming, and gamers, have come a long way since the 1980s. Here's why all the smart girls – and boys – should consider dating a gamer.

Gamers are smart

That might sound like a sweeping generalization, but it is based on sound scientific research. A paper by the US Department of Defense revealed that people who play video games have above average intelligence. Whether it is digging into problem-solving games like Final Fantasy or assessing the odds before playing Casino euro slots online, there is plenty of mental dexterity involved in playing games successfully. That puts gamers in a great position to achieve success in life.

Gamers know about space

No, not space in the sense of defeating alien hordes with laser cannons and saving the universe, but space as in time to yourself. Gamers are very seldom needy or clingy. They appreciate the value of time alone, and are unlikely to be jealous if you sometimes want to do your own thing – just as long as you leave them in peace to do theirs. Sounds like heaven!

Gamers are imaginative

You'll never be bored dating a gamer. All that time spent in cyberspace exploring parallel dimensions and alternative realities really gives the imagination a chance to run riot. It also allows gamers to see the magic and potential in everyday things. Date a gamer and you, too, will have the opportunity to see the world in a new light.

Gamers love tech

t sounds obvious, but here's the thing. Back in the 80s, tech was for geeks. Today, tech affects everything we do, whether at work, rest or play. A dedicated gamer will have the latest and greatest tech, from laptops to speakers to gaming chairs. Maybe even a headset for exploring virtual worlds in 3D. Not only do they own the tech, though, they understand it, too. When your phone or laptop does something screwy, nine times out of ten, a gamer will know how to find the solution. Your very own tech support? Why not?

Gamers don't give up

Gamers know about patience, and they appreciate that achieving their long term goals is not always going to be easy. They understand that it will require persistence, dedication and learning from mistakes or false starts. Doesn't that sound like a fantastic attitude to carry through life? If you know deep down that you can be a little difficult to get along with, a gamer is not going to throw in the towel and walk away at the first sign of trouble.