Gaming: My Escape, My Joy, and My Lonely Hobby

There was a time in my life when I felt like I had no one. The world felt too heavy, my thoughts too loud, and I just needed something—anything—to take my mind off reality. That’s when gaming stepped in. For me, video games have always been more than “just a waste of time.” They’ve been a safe place, an escape, and honestly, a source of joy when I couldn’t find it anywhere else.

The problem is, society doesn’t always see it that way. When you tell someone you love gaming, you’re often met with judgment. “That’s lazy.” “That’s childish.” Or my personal favorite: “But you’re a girl, why do you play video games?” Like somehow having two X chromosomes disqualifies me from enjoying something millions of people around the world do every single day.

I’ve been shamed for gaming more times than I can count. People roll their eyes, laugh, or assume I must be “bad at it.” And honestly, it hurts. Because for me, gaming has been a lifeline. It’s given me moments of happiness when real life felt gray.

The Freedom Video Games Give

One of the things I love most about gaming is the freedom it gives me to create and live a life I want—at least in that digital world. Take The Sims, for example. I can build a dream house, decorate it exactly how I want, and live a life where I’m not constantly buried under laundry and dishes. In Minecraft, I can explore endless worlds, build castles, dig tunnels, and create something beautiful out of nothing but blocks. Valheim gave me that same creativity but with a Viking twist—exploring, building, surviving, and thriving.

In these games, I’m in control. I don’t have to follow society’s rules. I don’t have to worry about judgment. I just get to play, create, and breathe. And sometimes, that’s the freedom I desperately need.

The Thrill of Competition

Then there are games that give me a rush of excitement and competitiveness. CS:GO has kept me up at night, adrenaline pumping as I tried to outsmart the other team. Rocket League—let’s be honest, it’s just soccer with cars, but it’s ridiculously fun. I’ve laughed so hard I cried during matches. And then there’s Phasmophobia, which mixes fear and teamwork. Hunting ghosts in a haunted house may sound silly, but when the lights flicker and you hear a ghost whisper in your ear? Oh, trust me, it gets real.

And of course, GTA V. That game will always have a special place in my heart. Driving through Los Santos, causing chaos one moment and just enjoying the city the next—it felt like a whole new world I could step into whenever I wanted. The freedom, the fun, the ridiculousness of it all—I loved every bit of it.

What Research Says About Gaming

Now, I know there’s always a debate about gaming. People argue it’s addictive, it wastes time, it rots your brain. And sure, anything can be unhealthy if it’s all you do, right? But research has also shown that gaming has benefits. Studies say video games can improve problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and even social skills—especially in multiplayer games where communication and teamwork matter.

Of course, there are negatives too. Too much screen time can affect sleep, and competitive games can sometimes raise stress instead of lowering it. Balance is key. But the truth is, gaming isn’t the “villain” people make it out to be. For so many of us, it’s therapy, connection, and joy.

My Love for Board Games and Puzzles

But it’s not just video games. I’ve always loved board games and puzzles too. I’m a huge puzzle fan—the more pieces, the better! There’s something so satisfying about putting everything together piece by piece and watching the bigger picture form. Maybe it’s a metaphor for life—messy, scattered pieces slowly coming together.

As for board games, give me Monopoly and I’ll happily buy up every property on the board (until someone flips it over in frustration). Uno is a classic—I can already hear someone yelling “Draw Four!” and the laughter (and fake anger) that comes with it. And strategy games? Don’t even get me started. I love using my brain, planning moves, and seeing if I can outsmart the competition.

The problem is… I don’t really have anyone to play with. My husband is usually too tired, and I don’t have friends nearby who enjoy these games like I do. So a lot of times, my love for board games just sits on the shelf. It feels lonely, wanting to share that joy and not having anyone to do it with.

What Should I Do?

I ask myself this a lot: what do you do when you love something but don’t have anyone to share it with? For video games, I can play online. But for board games and puzzles, it’s not the same. Sometimes I’ll do puzzles on my own, but part of the fun of games is the people you play with—the laughs, the competition, the little arguments over rules.

Maybe the answer is trying to find online communities. There are apps now where you can play board games virtually with others. Or maybe it’s hosting a game night someday, inviting people and just seeing who shows up. It’s scary, though, putting yourself out there when you already feel isolated.

But I know this: even if I’m alone with my games, they still bring me joy. They still remind me that fun is possible, even on the hardest days.

To Anyone Who Feels the Same…

If you’re reading this and you’ve ever felt ashamed for loving games—don’t be. Gaming is not bad. Gaming is creativity, fun, connection, and yes, sometimes survival. If you’re a girl who’s been laughed at for gaming, remember that your love for it is valid. You don’t need anyone’s permission to enjoy what makes you happy.

And if you, like me, sometimes feel alone in your hobbies—please don’t give up on them. Whether it’s video games, board games, or puzzles, the joy they bring matters. Keep playing. Keep creating. Keep exploring. Because sometimes, that little bit of joy is exactly what we need to keep going.

Maybe one day, I’ll find my people—the ones who want to stay up late building Lego-like castles in Minecraft, playing endless rounds of Uno, or teaming up in Phasmophobia. Until then, I’ll keep playing, keep enjoying, and keep sharing my love for games right here.

Because gaming isn’t just a hobby for me—it’s a part of who I am.