I play with Uni friends & still don’t mention unless asked what my hobbies are. Most people, don’t care these days, with so many console games & online computer games about.

I remember the stigma of being a gamer. Fortunately it has lessened considerably over the years. The fact that so many other geek/nerd hobbies have become mainstream, money-generating phenomena probably hasn’t hurt either.

Like you, I decided long ago that I wouldn’t be embarrassed about playing D&D so now I make zero effort to hide it. It hasn’t hurt my social standing or happiness.

New reader here. So far I like what I see. I realize that this is an older post but I couldn’t resist commenting.

I started playing D&D back in 1981. It was a time when the general public had NO idea what roleplaying was and what we kids were doing with our books and dice and maps. There was also a lot of bad press concerning the occult and suicides so ignorant parents were ready to deal out the stigma. Frankly, a cross-dressing, nazi, pedophile would have received less stigma.

So for the longest time I kept my gamer status under raps. is is only recently that I have been able to admit to playing rpg’s in public. Sadly, many people still don’t get it but I think I am more comfortable in my skin now and I really couldn’t give a rat’s hindquarters what people think about me.

Nerd/geek, I never really understood the difference. I’ve always called myself nerd, but if you think geek is more appropriate, I’m ok with that too.

@Josh
I know the type gamer to which you refer, and they scare me too. I’m all for enjoying D&D as a hobby but you need to understand that there’s a time and pace for it. As much as I like to talk about D&D, I can carry on conversations about other topics. Given your circumstances I don’t fault your choice to remain in the closet.

@Dead Orcs
Sounds like you’ve found a perfect compromise between of proud gamer and social acceptance. I think you and I fall very much into a similar school of thought on the matter.

Thanks to Quid, Josh, and Dead Orcs for stopping by Dungeon’s Master and sharing your stories. We’re glad you found us and look forward to hearing from you on future posts.

As for letting others know about my hobby, well; most know I’m a “gamer”. I think most people believe this to mean I’m a “computer gamer”; but unless I’m asked for details, I just leave it at that. I work in a corporate office, where gaming in the marketing department is really not that common (which is why most of my gaming friends are IT geeks).

When asked though, I usually provide as many details as the occasion requires. I’ll start in easy, and if I get a bunch of blank stares, I just drop the conversation.

P.S. I take exception to your use of “nerd”, above. “Geek” is the preferred term for one such as us, with the word “nerd” being associated with a lack of social graces and questionable hygiene. I, sir, do not smell.