FFXIV and Family Time

[Bigglesworth]

This is to all the adventurers out there in RL relationships. How does your spouse or significant other feel about your play time in FFXIV?

I'm married with 2 kids and another on the way. I've had to be very carefull with game play balance and family time. I usually only play the game if there is absolutely nothing else going on, or until after my family goes to bed. I have had problems in the past with FFXI and my relationship. Fortunately it did not get to the point where it was the game or my wife sort of thing, but I admit probably spending too much time in FFXI.

I have appreciated FFXIV's more laid back casual play. I have a few level 50 jobs. I feel like I have accomplished stuff in this game without having to sink too much time into it. Plus if something comes up, it is much easier to just stop what I'm doing in 14 as opposed to 11 where I might have been involved in a party, dynamis or whatever.

I've heard the whole argument "Gaming is my hobby and how I spend my time, what's the difference between that and shopping or whatever hobby my wife has". I've found that with this reasoning, you really are not going to ever win.

So I guess the point of this thread, is Do you have any funny or interesting conversations or stories that have involved FFXIV or any MMO in general between you and your significant other. How do you balance game time and real life family time? If you do sink a significant portion of your day into this game (let's say 4-6 hours a day), how do you justify using or spending that time in game and not with your significant other or spouse?

[NoctisUmbra]

"Why aren't you in the kitchen?!"

All jokes aside though I believe the key lies in maintaining balance, and solid communication.

[ydp002]

Make her play the game as well ^_^ it will help you a little bit ^_^///

[Reinheart]

Not MMO but Little Big Planet lol When LBP1 came out I was all into it and posting tons of stuff and my ideas, videos on youtube and stuff and I got the crown for something I did and was all into it, was playing probably till 4 AM every day. I just like making stuff... anyways wife got pissed and turned off the game one day and told me if I don't stop she's going to divorce lol since then I stopped playing like how I used to... still play LBP2 but nothing like LBP1 lol

In FFXI we had tons of argument (she played as well) over why I suck so much as a BLM and I always run up and nuke.... I just tell her I'm a damage dealer, what you expect? LOLOLOLOL (most of the time I just did it to piss her off lol)

[Bigglesworth]

Make her play the game as well ^_^ it will help you a little bit ^_^///

Yeah that would be a personal dream come true. My wife is from Colombia and she grew up without video games. She kinda hates video games in general as sees them as a waste of time, but that is just because she came from a culture that didn't really have that like we do in the states.

[Rinoa]

I wish i had someone, but i guess i have Final Fantasy for that. Square-Enix and nintendo are my life. that's why I'm moving to Japan.=)

[TheVedis]

I dont ignore my kid or my girlfriend
i know when to get off the game and go spend time with them

so it doesnt affect anything for me

but i still play too much

[Bigglesworth]

my story might actually take the cake.

So FFXI was on a permanent veto in my house for about a year. I really missed the game though, but never really thought I would get a chance to play again. Well when my daughter was born my wife really wanted to pierce her ears. I was opposed to it, so we reached an agreement. I would let her pierce my daughters ears if I could reinstall FF11 and play only 2 nights a week. Well it worked out because I proved that I could play responsibly and put RL stuff first.

[ydp002]

Well thanks your daughter for the perfect excuse !!

[Rinoa]

Bigglesworth, you are very strong to resist the force of FF11 and FF14. =)