Expert: Chamale - 9/11/2009

Question
Hi, I really like this guy...he is really handsome, sweet, kind, polite, smart, funny, and cute...he is very respectful, doesn't drink, smoke, use drugs, doesn't sleep around...he comes from a good, clean, respectful family...my parents approve of him even though we are of different races... we get along well, we are both getting our doctorate degree...

Anyway he plays a lot of video games but I don't know if he's an addict or just an enthusiastic gamer.

Anyway, he is part of this thing called "cosplay" basically it is where people make their own costumes and dress up like their favorite characters from video games. They have conventions and they have costume contests and they play games with fake swords. Fun stuff. So he spends a lot of money making these costumes and attends these conventions about 2-3 times a year.

Anyway, I was just wondering...I don't mind playing video games every now and then, but I'm not this obsessed...not like he is...

he works 40-60 hours a week (as do I) and he's on those cosplay forums online like 4 hours a day...

Is this too much to date someone? Should I avoid this man?

I mean, there's stuff I like too, like I'm really into music, I'm obsessed with my favorite bands, etc...

I mean, I guess I'm on youtube downloading music videos all the time too... but i never dress up like the musicians in the bands (hahaha)

How much would you say is too much?

thanks
Ana

Answer
Well, this question is very different from what people normally ask me. Hopefully, I can help you out.

Cosplaying is a fairly popular hobby, although it does take a lot of dedication - 4 hours a day is high, but not unheard of. From what you've written, it's clear you love this man a lot. You should know that some couples dress up as famous video game romantics, such as Mario and Peach or Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance. If  you suggest a "couple" cosplay to him, it could be a great way to spend more time together.

On the other hand, if you think your boyfriend is spending too much time on cosplay and neglecting you, you could talk to him about it and ask him to cut back. I couldn't offer much advice in this area (you might try asking our dating experts, at http://allexperts.com/el/General-Dating-Questions/ ).

Anyway, good luck with the relationship, and let me know how this turns out!