So last Friday night, Nate and I were at our local gaming store, checking out Infinity stuff, and I had a scary moment. Nate was talking to a friend about the game, and I was basically zoning out, picking out which figures were the cutest. I'm a girl. It's what I do. When suddenly, Nate's friend says, "Next we will get you playing." I quickly look around to see who he's talking about. Ahh! It was me! Making some face that looked like a deer caught in headlights, I made some non-committal sound. Hah. I have said, for over 2 years now, that I have no interest in playing any tabletop game. I'm immersed in the world (reading, painting, resin casting, all that jazz) but I just can't make that step to actually playing. The reasons have changed over time. And Nate has tried just about every trick in the book. I even accused him of trying my own advice (from Girlfriend of a Gamer ) to try to get me to play. Well, I think he has finally won.
Yes, I'm ready to try out a fantasy game. Not a full game mind you. Nate has offered to let me pick out my own troop, and to have full command of that troop, in one of his games. He's been playing Dark Elves, which I wouldn't play on my own, but I know enough about their fluff to be able to pick something out. Really, it was a genius argument that he made. And it worked. I don't have to worry about remembering all the rules and abilities, or playing some stranger that keeps looking at my boobs (well, that might happen, but Nate will be right beside me). I haven't decided what I want to control yet, but it probably will involve female figures. Because, well, I'm a girl.
So all of this got me thinking about my list of ways to get your girl to play games. And I realized I left out 2 important items of persuasion. Bribes and guilt. But, beware, both can come back to bite you in the ass.
Bribes are great for many things. Women like bribes. Hell, everyone likes bribes. But, you have to be careful. First, we aren't stupid. We know you are bribing us to do what you want. We may play along. Or we may get mad that you would think we can be bought. It depends on both what the bribe is, and what your girl is in at the time. Also, your girl may get to where she will ONLY do things for bribes. Not a good situation.
Guilt is even more dangerous. Women are masters of using this weapon, and we will not hesitate to turn it back on you. But, it is a great motivator. We don't want to seem like hypocrites, so if you mention how you did something WE wanted to do, we will probably go along with what you want to do. But we will not let you forget it, either. This tactic may haunt you forever. Think this through before using.
You can combine the two tactics. Take her to a movie she wants to see, then remind her of it when you want her to go with you to the next tournament. But, results can be varied, even with the same woman. My best advice? Know your girl, and ask her at the right time. Timing is everything.
Good luck! Hopefully the next time I sit at the table, I will see a few more women around me. And wish me luck on my first game! I think I'm excited...
