My wife is not a fan of pinball, but has never criticized me for my hobby. I keep bringing in machines and filling up the place and she doesn't say a word; she'll even take care of our two young kids without complaint when I want to go pick up a machine. She even helps me unload them!!!

With this said, I believe that her unwillingness or need to complain keeps me in check. It's like some Jedi mind trick. I always wonder how she is going to feel about me taking up the space and therefore, have determined how many machines I can comfortably put into "our" space and allow for things for her and the family. Sometimes I think nagging only makes us do things we shouldn't and silence makes us think more about what we are doing.

Unfortunately, my wife doesn't have any hobbies and doesn't collect anything. I actually wish that she did enjoy collecting something so that she could focus her energies on something that she really likes. I'm just lucky in regards to finding someone so humble who allows me to enjoy what I do.

I echo the advice of others. The maintenance of my machines is currently in a slow state, but it's not due to laziness, only spending time with my family and helping out with the housework/yardwork and kids. I wouldn't have it any other way. Family first.