So my mom and dad are having trouble. My dad is a pretty mellow guy who isn't at all into games. My mother is up tight and didn't used to be into games until about 2 years ago when she started playing WoW. Her obsession has not waned since then. I got myself addicted to WoW because of her. Initially I started playing because I wanted to mess with my mom in game. I had never played an MMO before. What started out as a prank turned into an addiction. I was seriously addicted for 6 months. Now I play regularly but have a life outside of Azeroth. She, however, never left the extreme addiction stage. Finally it's taking a toll. I have 3 siblings and all of them excluding myself have confronted her with no results. Please know that we have not attacked her. Many approaches have been taken. She is out of control! She attacks us if we try to even bring up the topic. Recently I found out that she's taken trips to Southern Cali to visit and friend but never actually met up with that friend. She stayed in a hotel room both times. She's acting awfully strange. It's bewildering to all of us how she can give up on a marry spanning nearly 35 years. They've been so happy. It's like since she started playing they don't mess around, kid with each other and act silly together anymore. I haven't tried talking to her yet. Something has to happen. My Dad, as far as we know, hasn't taken a stand with her. When my sister said expressed her concern regarding their relationship she flipped out. She is now accusing him of all kinds of things. My dad is super devoted and sweet on her. What she's saying is out of control. Their finances are also going down the drain. She handles most of the bills but more and more she hasn't been keeping up. She isn't paying them. She isn't doing anything she's supposed to be doing. She's asking to borrow money from my sister and trying to get me to pay for more of the phone bill than I actually owe. Meanwhile, our dad doesn't seem to know all of this. I purchased a plane ticket so that I can visit them after the holidays. I just don't know what to say. I have to say something. If they do split, fine, but that doesn't mean her problem is going to vanish. I understand how addicting WoW can be. I know it is possible to live a life that includes WoW but isn't all about it. What do I say to her? Her marriage is falling apart, my dad is lonely and it's breaking my heart.

I don't really think it's the game that's causing them to fall apart. It sounds a lot like maybe things weren't so great before the gaming started. And since you're mom has started playing the games, it's only escalated the problems.

I love WoW.
Sorry, but a marriage is between two people. If your dad isn't doing anything about it, than it's just not your business. It sucks, it hurts, and I know you wish you could do something to change it. Talk to your dad. He's the only one who can make a change to save his marriage.