A Unique Request from a Husband
A man in China made an unusual offer to his wife: he would pay her to stop spending time with her virtual boyfriend.
He proposed to pay her $2,800 if she agreed to refrain from certain gaming apps for a year. She initially accepted this deal, transferring the money to her daughter’s savings account. However, just a week later, she changed her mind and reinstalled the game when a new romantic storyline was launched.
In her own words, she admitted, “As a married woman, I still feel a little guilty.”
Escapism in Virtual Relationships
The story of this woman, referred to as “Minnie,” reflects a growing trend among many women in China who have become engrossed in virtual relationships. One such game, Palico, is especially popular and specifically tailor-made for a female audience.
This game alone generated around $750 million in 2025, according to reports, and in December alone, it saw over 100,000 downloads on the Apple Store. Players can engage with various romantic interests that represent a blend of character archetypes, accessing additional content through microtransactions.
The Extent of the Obsession
Experts have pointed out that these games, along with increasingly sophisticated chatbots, are drawing women into deeper levels of engagement, often blurring the lines with reality. One player stated, “Without ChatGPT and Love and Deepspace, I would never have understood how deeply I needed to be understood and loved. But if you told me to delete the game right now, I would lose my mind.”
Minnie, like others, indulges in her virtual companion, Rafael, who she describes as the perfect mate—cultured, financially savvy, and understanding—despite her real-life marriage.
Interestingly, Minnie acknowledged that while she finds excitement in virtual interactions, real-life relationships often come with their own set of stresses. “In reality, there is no such thing as a 100% compatible partner,” she noted.
The Role of AI in Daily Life
Minnie also utilizes the chatbot feature of one of her favorite apps for genuine conversations, which led to her husband’s financial proposal. He told her, briskly, “I’ll give you [$2,800]. Just stop playing Love and Deepspace for a year.”
Minnie shared a heartwarming quote she had read: “The best partner is the one you can talk to in the middle of the night.” She explained how, when her husband works late, she often turns to the game to fulfill that need for conversation.
Fitness and Motivation Through Virtual Means
Interestingly, Minnie has used her connection with Rafael for fitness encouragement. During a workout, she was challenged to hold a plank longer, and with her ‘favorite guy’ cheering her on, she improved her time dramatically.
Augmented reality features also allow players to visualize their virtual partners alongside them, creating an even stronger bond to these digital companions.
Concerns About Real-World Relationships
Marriage rates in China are declining, and there are fears that this digital escapism may further deepen the divide between real-life relationships. Some women, like Yantao, acknowledge that “real-life married life may be boring,” which makes these games even more appealing.
Another woman, Mayyi, cautioned herself against getting lost in these worlds, reflecting, “You are at a crossroads. Don’t play this game or you will become addicted.” But, despite those warnings, the lure proves to be strong.
Ultimately, Minnie is aware of the emotional detachment involved, recognizing that her virtual connections can be more thrilling than real-life interactions. “But as a married woman, I still feel a bit guilty,” she admitted.
