Online gaming isolates man from his family and friends
DEAR ABBY >> Iama 34-year-old man who is somewhat socially awkward. I want to start dating and hopefully find that special someone. The problem is, I have an addiction. It’s not to alcohol or drugs, but to online games.
I have been gaming since I was 18, shortly after I joined the military, and it has been the majority of my social interaction. I have avoided friends and family and spent thousands of dollars over the years on this “hobby.” I have tried several times to quit. I succeed for a few months, but I always go back, thinking I can play just a little bit. I sincerely want to quit. I don’t want to go on like this, but I don’t
HOROSCOPES
Aries (March 21-April 19): Words are almost as great a disguise as the old glasses, nose and mustache in their ability to conceal main features and obscure intent and identity. Of course, the voice always gives it away. Taurus (April 20-May 20): The only difference between repeating a series of actions in exchange for money and repeating the same actions for free is that money provides an external motivation and free cultivates an internal one.
Gemini (May 21-June 21): The best way to gain a skill is to jump in and figure it out, expecting to mess up a fair amount and learn as you go. So save your money. Don’t buy the class, just know how to break this cycle.
Until I can sort this out, I don’t think I should become involved with anyone else. I feel like if I don’t do this now, this is what the rest of my life will be, and it’s frightening. Counseling is out of the question because I would have to report it to my job, which could jeopardize my future employment. Is there any advice about how to fix this problem? DEAR LOST >> I’m glad you have recognized that your gaming has become a problem and want to do something about it. That’s the first step in fixing it.
Video games are the fastest-growing form of media entertainment. Because of the sophisticated technology involved, the games can be addictive, and the social begin the task.
Cancer (June 22-July 22): Adulthood is rife with lies, liars, fictional constructs, unnecessary rules, imaginary power endowments and much more falling under the catchall category of “nuance.” Expect it, deal with it, prevail and then reward your own maturity. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): This is no time to lose heart! Don’t give into thought processes that spiral downward. There’s nothing wrong with you, life is inherently messy, and all humans are flawed. Choose optimism and march on.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): As much as you’d like to keep certain information to yourself, there are people aspects of them can make them a hard habit to break without professional help. Treatment may involve private counseling or even require inpatient care. However, if that is unworkable, OnLine Gamers Anonymous (olganon.org) may be a helpful alternative for you. It is a 12-step program based on the principles of AA. You may want to check it out.
DEAR ABBY >> My dad recently passed away. It was unexpected. Many people have sent condolences, which was very thoughtful. My problem is, I’m an atheist, and many of them have said things like “He’s in a better place now.”
I don’t mind the prayers accompanied with the condolences. I believe everyone’s beliefs should be respected, and the prayers are heartfelt good wishes. I have a whom you feel so comfortable around that you will inevitably let down your guard and spill the beans. To keep a secret, keep away. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): The ability to remain very cool is a difficult one to cultivate, involving years of practice in high-intensity, adrenaline-surging situations. You should be proud of your emotional control. You came by it honestly. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): In one podcast, your signmate Henry Winkler recently claimed the qualities of tenacity and gratitude as his guiding values. Should you do the same, fortune will favor you this evening. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The difference between HUGE problem, however, with people basically telling me that Dad is better off dead than alive. That’s preposterous! My father is better off here, laughing with his family, enjoying life and playing with his grandchildren.
How do I respond to those people without sounding snarky? I have been biting my tongue so I won’t let them know how much it offends me, but I really think people should know that those words in particular are just horrible. DEAR GRIEVING >> I’m printing your letter because you are not the first grieving family member to have shared those sentiments with me. But please understand that the subject of death makes many people very uncomfortable, and they don’t know what the comforting thing to say is. freedom and indentured servitude is a margin. If you can spend two-thirds of your day doing what you please, you’re among the truly free. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.
19): Right now, you don’t necessarily need people around you who want what you have. Your dream team will be made of those with complementary talents and skills and a well-matched sense of humor.
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18): You respect that the others in your circle have their own responsibilities, stressors and stimuli to process. That’s why you’re careful not to take up more than your share of the airtime. If only all were so conscientious. Readers, it’s sufficient to say, “I heard the sad news. I’m so very sorry for your loss.” (PERIOD.) Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You’re exposed to many kinds of people, some of whom are so much like you that interacting with them will give you the clarity of a rare vantage into your own life.
Today’s birthday (Oct. 19): You will go out of your way, waste your time and break your budget in the name of friendship. This is how you know you’re doing it right. Without sacrifice, there is no bond, no truth, no beauty. For your love and generosity, you’ll be meaningfully rewarded beyond your wildest imaginings. Gemini and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 19, 40, 45 and 38.