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Guy Mocks Girlfriend For Playing Video Games To Unwind, Says It “Isn’t Ladylike”
Young woman looking upset while holding a smartphone, depicting feelings of frustration related to video games and ladylike stereotypes.

Guy Mocks Girlfriend For Playing Video Games To Unwind, Says It “Isn’t Ladylike”

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We all have hobbies that let us unwind and recharge after a long day at the office. Reading, watching movies, playing video games, painting, birdwatching, jogging—it doesn’t quite matter what you do so long as you enjoy it. Your significant other should be happy to support you instead of trying to control you.

One woman went online to vent about how her toxic boyfriend tried to force her to give up video gaming because, from his perspective, it is a “boy habit” and “isn’t ladylike.” However, she was having none of his nonsense and defended her boundaries. Scroll down for the full story, a dramatic update, and the internet’s reactions to both.

RELATED:

    Playing video games can be a great way to unwind after work and temporarily distract yourself from your problems in life

    Young woman wearing headphones, focused on playing video games to unwind while seated at a gaming PC setup.

    Image credits: DC_Studio (not the actual photo)

    A woman shared how her insecure, needy, toxic boyfriend tried to control how she spends her free time. He had an issue with her ‘manly’ hobby

    Text excerpt from a boyfriend mocking girlfriend for playing video games to unwind, claiming it isn’t ladylike.

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    Text about girlfriend playing video games to unwind while boyfriend mocks it as not ladylike on a PS4 console.

    Text excerpt about boyfriend mocking girlfriend for playing video games to unwind, saying it isn’t ladylike.

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    Text excerpt from a guy mocking girlfriend for playing video games to unwind, calling it not ladylike.

    Text excerpt showing a guy mocking his girlfriend for playing video games to unwind, calling it not ladylike.

    Alt text: Guy mocks girlfriend for playing video games to unwind, saying the hobby isn’t ladylike during an argument.

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    Text excerpt from a message where a girlfriend expresses being stunned after her boyfriend mocked her for playing video games to unwind.

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    Text image showing a person pondering whether to talk to their boyfriend who mocks girlfriend for playing video games to unwind.

    A frustrated couple sitting on a couch, guy mocking girlfriend for playing video games to unwind and saying it isn’t ladylike.

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    Image credits: damirkhabirov (not the actual photo)

    Text excerpt about a boyfriend mocking his girlfriend for playing video games to unwind, calling it not ladylike.

    Image credits: throwaway908070x

    A person who tries to control others, including their partner, may have serious self-esteem issues and insecurities

    Couple having a tense conversation on couch, guy mocking girlfriend for playing video games to unwind and not being ladylike.

    Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)

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    Someone who is confident in themselves and trusts and respects their significant other won’t try to control them. Meanwhile, somebody with serious self-esteem issues or narcissistic tendencies may try to make their significant other feel guilty about having hobbies that don’t involve them.

    According to Verywell Mind, some of the biggest relationship red flags to look out for include the following:

    • Controlling behavior
    • Mismatched relationship goals
    • Persistent jealousy and distrust
    • Dependence problems
    • Stories about ‘crazy exes’
    • No friends
    • Lack of emotional intimacy
    • Giving you all of their time
    • Gaslighting, lovebombing, breadcrumbing, and other manipulative behavior
    • History of infidelity

    “A partner who is controlling in any way likely has deep personal issues they must work on. Rethink your relationship if your partner tries to control who you see, who you talk to, where you go, how you spend your money, what you do online, what your body looks like, what you eat, or even what you wear,” Verywell Mind explains.

    It’s unhealthy if the person you’re dating has no social life, puts all of their attention on you, and has trouble maintaining healthy relationships with others

    Young woman looking thoughtful while sitting at a desk with a laptop, reflecting on playing video games to unwind.

    Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)

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    What’s more, what might at first seem like constant attentiveness or over-the-top generosity from your partner may actually be signs of desperation, insecurity, distrust, and underlying control problems.

    Something else to think about is how your significant other spends their time. For instance, it’s worrying if they have very few friends, struggle to make new connections, and have a hard time maintaining their relationships.

    “Try to understand why your partner has struggled to build connections with others. If you discover a deflection, no personal culpability, or lack of drive, then you will likely experience the same treatment in your relationship,” Verywell Mind suggests.

    In a similar vein, it’s problematic if your partner focuses all of their time and attention on you and you alone. It’s an issue if they don’t have other relationships, hobbies, or goals.

    In a nutshell, this signifies that they don’t have a proper sense of self and rely on you for their happiness and entertainment. This, in turn, can lead to resentment, unhappiness, a feeling of suffocation, and an unfulfilling relationship.

    What do you think, Pandas? How would you have handled the situation if you were in the woman’s shoes? Has your significant other ever criticized your hobbies or tried to get you to give up the activities that you love? What are your favorite video games that you’d recommend everyone play in their lives? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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    Some time later, the woman shared what she decided to do after the toxic argument with her boyfriend

    Text update explaining a guy mocked his girlfriend for playing video games to unwind, calling it not ladylike.

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    Image credits: GSR-PhotoStudio (not the actual photo)

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    Text message screenshot showing mixed emotions while playing video games to unwind after a critical comment on ladylike behavior.

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    Image credits: s_kawee (not the actual photo)

    Text with a woman mocking her boyfriend for saying video games aren’t ladylike as a way to unwind after a breakup.

    Image credits: throwaway908070x

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    Many readers were overjoyed that the author decided to leave the unhealthy relationship

    Screenshot of an online comment mocking a girlfriend for playing video games to unwind, calling it not ladylike.

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    Commenter expressing frustration over the stereotype that video games are not ladylike for women to enjoy.

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    Screenshot of a Reddit comment mocking a guy criticizing his girlfriend for playing video games to unwind and calling it unladylike.

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    Screenshot of a comment mocking a guy who criticizes his girlfriend for playing video games to unwind as not ladylike.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment criticizing a guy who mocks his girlfriend for playing video games to unwind.

    Commenter defends playing video games to unwind, challenges idea it isn’t ladylike and calls out sexist behavior.

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    Commenter shares staying up late playing video games to unwind, responding to guy mocking girlfriend for gaming habits.

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    Comment discussing escalating a*****e behavior as a warning sign in a relationship involving video games and unwinding.

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    Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a guy mocking his girlfriend for playing video games to unwind as not ladylike.

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    Comment expressing frustration about society looking down on gaming and considering it less ladylike as a hobby.

    Commenter shares being a 58-year-old woman who plays video games and is supported by her husband.

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    Jonas Grinevičius

    Jonas Grinevičius

    Writer, Senior Writer

    Read more »

    Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

    Read less »
    Jonas Grinevičius

    Jonas Grinevičius

    Writer, Senior Writer

    Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

    Ieva Pečiulytė

    Ieva Pečiulytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    I'm a Visual Editor for Bored Panda. I’m also an analog collage artist. My love for images and experience in layering goes well with both creating collages by hand and working with digital images as an Editor. When I’m not using my kitchen area as an art studio I also do various experiments making my own cosmetics or brewing kombucha. When I’m not at home you would most definitely find me attending a concert or walking my dog.

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    Ieva Pečiulytė

    Ieva Pečiulytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm a Visual Editor for Bored Panda. I’m also an analog collage artist. My love for images and experience in layering goes well with both creating collages by hand and working with digital images as an Editor. When I’m not using my kitchen area as an art studio I also do various experiments making my own cosmetics or brewing kombucha. When I’m not at home you would most definitely find me attending a concert or walking my dog.

    What do you think ?
    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely a "catch and release". I'm a 63 year old woman and I love my PS5!

    Lisa T
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m 54 and female have been gaming since I was like 10

    Load More Replies...
    TACO Don's Authentic TexMex
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dude is a f*****g idiot. Find someone cool, like me. I'm cool. Probably the coolest, by my own estimation

    E M
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THRILLED she ditched his dumb a**. What a loser; drunk and stupid. I bet it's like others have said and she's a better gamer than him too.

    MalayDragon
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Games are for boys only.. Wow. Wait until this guy hears about all the female e-sports players.. Examples: Petra Stoker, Marjorie Bartell a.k.a Kasumi Chan, and Michaela Lintrup a.k.a mimi.

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't get how games are for "boys" only. This guy is a whiner and doesn't want his GF to have any hobbies but him. DTMFA. Glad she did.

    moggiemoo
    Community Member
    27 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ex is a massive knòb, no need to say more.

    Nils Skirnir
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Folks thinking gaming is manly, have no idea of what manly is. Gaming is fun and interesting, but it’s the antithesis of what traditional manliness is.

    Juls
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm a 60f, been playing an MMO for around 20 years. Gaming culture can be toxically anti-female, and I've seen these same males complain about how so few women play this MMO. Well, stop treating it like a boy's club and being viciously rude to women and maybe more would play. Seriously, my husband used to fill raid parties in minutes by announcing there was a woman (me) in the group. Yet I can still be treated like I shouldn't be there and how dare I call my v****a owning self a gamer.

    Katharina Sei.
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like her partner has friends or has seen videos that spread sexist ideas.

    LB
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Repeat after me; going out to get shîtfaced is not a hobby

    Load More Comments
    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely a "catch and release". I'm a 63 year old woman and I love my PS5!

    Lisa T
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m 54 and female have been gaming since I was like 10

    Load More Replies...
    TACO Don's Authentic TexMex
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dude is a f*****g idiot. Find someone cool, like me. I'm cool. Probably the coolest, by my own estimation

    E M
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THRILLED she ditched his dumb a**. What a loser; drunk and stupid. I bet it's like others have said and she's a better gamer than him too.

    MalayDragon
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Games are for boys only.. Wow. Wait until this guy hears about all the female e-sports players.. Examples: Petra Stoker, Marjorie Bartell a.k.a Kasumi Chan, and Michaela Lintrup a.k.a mimi.

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't get how games are for "boys" only. This guy is a whiner and doesn't want his GF to have any hobbies but him. DTMFA. Glad she did.

    moggiemoo
    Community Member
    27 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ex is a massive knòb, no need to say more.

    Nils Skirnir
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Folks thinking gaming is manly, have no idea of what manly is. Gaming is fun and interesting, but it’s the antithesis of what traditional manliness is.

    Juls
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm a 60f, been playing an MMO for around 20 years. Gaming culture can be toxically anti-female, and I've seen these same males complain about how so few women play this MMO. Well, stop treating it like a boy's club and being viciously rude to women and maybe more would play. Seriously, my husband used to fill raid parties in minutes by announcing there was a woman (me) in the group. Yet I can still be treated like I shouldn't be there and how dare I call my v****a owning self a gamer.

    Katharina Sei.
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like her partner has friends or has seen videos that spread sexist ideas.

    LB
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Repeat after me; going out to get shîtfaced is not a hobby

    Load More Comments
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