Shameless BUMP...lol!

Good post and one we all need to be mindful of

I remember it was after my husband asked for a divorce...the months upon months of us ignoring each other for a game...God, I feel so foolish saying that...a GAME. I remember, that he had ownership of my account. He had changed the passwords the moment I left the house. I ... I'm so ashamed to say it...

...I was so addicted to the game that he had me sign a paper that in order to have ownership of my world of warcraft account that I had to agree to give him full ownership of our dog. The dog had been like a baby for me...but I was so deluded, that I gave him up without a thought for what?

A game. A game I quit playing months later when I realised how stupid stupid stupid I'd been.

I had friends in my real life...I had ignored them in favour for people in freakin' Australia, Europe and the USA that I'll never see so we can go kill sh*t in a video game!

I was a 'guild leader' - I thought that was really hot sh*t. I spoke with people over a microphone instead of my loving family and friends.

I feel so stupid about my past decisions. I am finally coming to the place where I can chalk it up to valuable experience and leave it in the past.

No, the game didn't kill my marriage...there were a lot more factors involved, but it was a factor.

All in all...I urge you, if you feel that you relate to my words, take an inventory of the people you have at hand in your reality...and make sure you appreciate them.

Much love to you all, pers

Yet another shameless bump...because that's how I roll...LOL

I agree with ruby. great thread.

I also thought it was a great thread.

I can totally relate. I do not feel that I am addicted to DS but I do go online almost every day, so what does that say about me? But I am still very much in touch with my family and friends, but I also can get caught up worrying about the misfortunes of others. And--I do my fair share of having a pity party, too. I do hope I have never been nasty to anyone, though, cause I know everyone on DS has their own problems, and do not need anyone to dis them.

? Sounds like you learned a positive lesson. Sorry, Your marriag ewasn't good, you escaped into the internet to try an deny the failure of your marriage, then finally had to face it.? You were happy with being successfull online line when your "real: life wouldn't allow you to be? Maybe it was a wake-up call?

Several of our members are disabled physically, and this may be their only outlet to avoid isolation. However, I do agree, that limiting our time on here may be for the best. Look, it you still posting 8 hours later, and starting to get into fights, maybe it is time to log off and take a time out.

Yes, my reality was not good - and WoW was an escape. I didn't post this to rag on anyone who depends on the internet for socialisation...I myself tend to be a recluse at times - so I still depend on the internet for social interaction at times...

...I guess what I wanted to urge was a balance. Yes, I feel safer when I am locked away (by my own self) from the "world"...but I've learned that I have to challenge myself and get out there, that I have to remember to love the ones I love, and to appreciate what I've got.

Before...I didn't do any of these things. Maybe I was unable to, so I have learned a lot, and I'm slowly getting to the place where I can forgive myself and move on.

Thanks again all!

I play wow and agree it is addictive but I dont the game is at fault here. I think its all too easy to become engrossed with anything that takes us away from the pain and reality of our own lives.
Especially when we are depressed.

Oh, I don't blame WoW. It's an incredible game, and I miss it sometimes...It's great fun in moderation.

It's just that I didn't take it in moderation. I'd be on there in the AM before work, then the minute I was home from work, I'd be on that thing...from 3pm to 3am sometimes...that was too much!

Good solid advice! Marriages, family, home not worth sacrificing for all day DS..I did express this to someone a couple of months ago and told her that maybe she should consider leaving for a while since she knew it was damaging family life.. that had once been good. She did and chose her family. I know there are lots of alone people and this is their main source of contact with others, but I have truly seen many get too pulled in and obsessed by logging on so very much. Not healthy in the long run. Again, fantastic, healthy advice.. Just my opinion. Thanks for sharing your opinion with others.