Just about every guy I know is obsessed with video games. They will drop everything to wait in line all night to buy a newly-released game, and then spend all day playing it. They won’t eat, sleep or shower until they beat it. And when they finally do, they don’t suddenly stop playing. They just resort to an old favorite.

Those with girlfriends often find it difficult to choose between spending time with them and saving Princess Zelda. Here’s how to split your time so that you don’t have to.

1) Invite her to join you, even if you know she’ll shoot you down. Even if she doesn’t play, she’ll appreciate your gesture to get her involved in something you enjoy doing.

2) Have her play with you. Some girls want nothing to do with video games. However, many are actually secret gamers and they just don’t know it. Pop in something you think she’ll have fun playing, or at least sparks her interest, and ask her (nicely) to give it a try.

3) Make her an offer she can’t refuse. If she still refuses to play, make an agreement with her. Offer to watch an entire season of Sex and the City with her. Chances are, she’ll give in and give your game a chance.

4) Encourage her to keep going. If she’s struggling, don’t laugh or make fun. Help her out but make sure not to play for her. The trick is to get her to overcome her insecurities. If she passes a level, she’ll be so proud of herself that she’ll want to play the next.

5) Don’t pull out on her. If you give up on her, you’re just a horrible boyfriend. This is supposed to be a hobby you can both share. If you do, she’ll give up on herself and you’ll never get her to hold your Wii ever again.

6) Have a threesome. It’s always better when there are friends there to join in on the fun. If everyone else is playing, she’ll be more inclined to play too. Even if she doesn’t, at least there will be other people there to entertain her while your eyes are glued to the screen.

7) Crank things up. Anything with music is sure to win her over. Guitar Hero is something that anyone can play, no matter how terrible they are. Even if she messes up, at least she got to listen to some great tunes.