Ashlyn Hurrey, of Jessup, and Stephanie Filipski, of Clarks Summit, say they couldn’t be more “polar opposite” from one another.

“She takes three hours in the shower. She’s forever when she’s getting ready,” Filipski said. “I’m 15 minutes, showered and ready, if that.”

“I’m really mean sometimes — or maybe blunt is a better word. I’m blunt,” Hurrey said. “Steph is the nice one. She’s shy and sweet and not confrontational at all.”

Their differences are what surprised people when they started dating four months ago.

“People see that I’m really girly and think that I’m kind of prissy, and they see Steph and think she’s a thug because she’s usually bumming around in sweats or basketball shorts,” Hurrey said.

“That’s why it fits us that we started dating on April Fool’s Day,” Filipski joked. Joking aside, they say their relationship predominantly works due to one common hobby they share — “Call of Duty.” Yes, they’re two hot girls who play video games. Hurrey and Filipski say playing “Call of Duty” has strengthened their bond and continues to help their relationship grow. And, they believe other couples can learn from their gaming habit.

When Hurrey’s teenage brother, Nathan, asked her to play “Call of Duty” with her one day, Filipski’s mind was blown.

“She was like, ‘Woah, you play ‘Call of Duty’?” Hurrey said.

“Look at her. She’s a little princess. I couldn’t believe she played video games,” Filipski added.

From that point forward, it was game over — Hurrey and Filipski were bound for life, they said.

In the video game, which they described as post-Apocalyptic zombie mayhem, the couple said they’ve learned how to work together toward a common goal — which has strikingly helped their relationship.

“It’s a very intense game,” Hurrey said. “The way we work together in the game, is if she has to improve her player by getting perks or upgrading a gun, I will watch her back and protect her. It’s given me practice for protecting her, which translates in everyday life since I’m more outspoken and sometimes have to step in to have her back if she won’t speak up.”

Hurrey and Filipski say they spend at least 25 hours a week playing “Call of Duty.” And that’s on top of working 40 plus hours per week. They’re both admission counselors for Penn Foster, an online school, in Scranton.

The couple said couples should take note from them — especially girls.

“Even if a girl is in a relationship with a guy, she should play “Call of Duty” with him. The guy will love it,” Hurrey said.

The couple believes playing video games together will decrease drama in a relationship.

“We don’t really go out and drink a lot,” Filipski said. “There’s so much drama when a couple just goes out and parties all the time.”

“Alcohol usually leads to fights or unneeded stress,” Hurrey said. “It can lead to people cheating, or, how many times has a couple been drinking, and with alcohol being involved, been like, ‘Are you looking at him? Are you looking at her?’ Playing ‘Call of Duty’ relieves stress, it doesn’t add stress.”

“If we’re fighting and want to make up, I’ll just say, ‘Wanna play ‘Call of Duty’?” Filipski said. Then they remember they’re meant to be together and game together.

Reach Justin Adam Brown at 570-991-6652 or on Twitter @wkdr

NEPA couple says gaming helps foster a healthy relationship

By Justin Adam Brown

jbrown@timesleader.com

Ashlyn Hurrey, right, and Stephanie Filipski play ‘Call of Duty’ in their living room in Jessup.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_CALLOFDUTY.jpg.optimal.jpgAshlyn Hurrey, right, and Stephanie Filipski play ‘Call of Duty’ in their living room in Jessup. Bill Tarutis | For Weekender

Ashlyn Hurrey, right, and Stephanie Filipski play ‘Call of Duty’ in their living room in Jessup.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_callofduty2.jpg.optimal.jpgAshlyn Hurrey, right, and Stephanie Filipski play ‘Call of Duty’ in their living room in Jessup. Bill Tarutis | For Weekender

Ashlyn Hurrey, right, and Stephanie Filipski play ‘Call of Duty’ in their living room in Jessup.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_dutycalls.jpg.optimal.jpgAshlyn Hurrey, right, and Stephanie Filipski play ‘Call of Duty’ in their living room in Jessup. Bill Tarutis | For Weekender