My wife is addicted to candy crush and other such phone games. Sometimes, she sneaks the phone under the blanket and plays phone games all night long that now I have started doubting whether she is actually playing candy crush or any other games for that matter. She is 39 years old. How do I tell her these games should be left for our 14-year-old son?
Gilbert Mujuni
Dear Gilbert,
This must be causing a bit of stress on you. Candy crush is one of the games that has hooked millions of people either on their mobile phone or laptops to an extent it interferes with their work and relationships like in your case.
Well, this obsession with the game can have similar effects of the urge to continue using even when the user notices the harm it is causing.
Unfortunately, this can ruin a relationship or even cause poor performance on a job.
If one starts to ignore responsibilities such as picking children from school, missing deadlines, or trying to hide from family and friends might be a sign that they are addicted to the game.
Recent studies are showing that gaming addiction is a psychological condition acknowledged in the latest diagnostic and statistical manual of mental health.
Addiction is an urge to do something to experience pleasure or get rid of discomfort.
I cannot tell why your wife is doing this but it could be one of these.
Children and teenagers are not the only ones vulnerable to video game addiction. Adults may also play video games for hours instead of engaging in work activities, devoting time to partners, or even pursuing productive hobbies.
Well since you are her immediate support system, take care of yourself first.
Acknowledge that this hurts you and sends bad feelings within you.
Get her to know how you feel; do you get angry? Frustrated? If you do, then remind yourself that it is your wife who has the problem and not you.
Find relaxing activities that help you feel better then arrange a meeting with your wife before she starts on the game.
Let her know how her behaviour is affecting you as an individual but also as a couple and the family at large. Click to read more…
