Poker and the Feminist Me

From the day I have learned playing poker, I told myself that I want to be a good poker player. I am not contented with just being able to play poker, I wanted to play it well. So what I did was I practiced a lot, read poker articles and asked tips from my friends.

Gradually, I felt that my poker game has improved. I have been winning more consistently as compared to before. My poker opponents find it difficult to scare me with their bluffs, and I get to pull off some amazing bluffs every once in a while. I have also learned when the right time to fold is and the right time to quit the poker session. Ultimately, I am reaching my goal of becoming a good poker player.

Now, I can tell myself, I have proven to the male species that women can also do great in poker. I am respected as a poker player by my opponents, and I have resigned from being an easy opponent.

However, just when I thought I have proven my worth, my boyfriend does not allow me to play any poker game. Funny thing is, I thought he thinks of poker as a bad thing, but no, I was wrong. I found out that I was banned from playing but he is not. My feminist self wanted to shout a protest, but words failed me. I did not expect this to happen to me, certainly not in this day and age, but it did. Surprising, isn't it.

When I finally could not hold my emotions, I went one confronting him regarding the matter. I just could not comprehend why he can play poker and I can't. Have I not still proven that I am a worthy opponent, that I am not making a fool of myself at the poker table?

He said he does not believe that I should do whatever it is he is doing. But my argument was not a question of need, but preference.

Eventually, he let me play again, although I know he still does not want me too. I think he saw that I am really passionate about poker, and that I am really glad to have found something I am good at. Actually, I am not playing for the money, but for the challenge. I love competitions, and he knows that. He knows further that my own dad never prohibited me from playing card games, actually my father was the one who taught me some of the card games I know today.

It was and still is my fervent hope to know why my playing poker bugged him so much.