A panel of Penny Arcade enthusiasts discussed this topic at a convention in Seattle recently.  The five girl-gamer panelists had some advice for the audience of 100-plus. 

Here are some of their suggestions.

• Don’t impose your favorite game on your gal pal. “Girlfriends may not be into ‘Halo,’ but they might like something else, so don’t force ‘Halo’ on them and expect them to love gaming,”
  
• Play co-op. Many games have a cooperative mode, where you and a buddy can tackle missions as a duo. Or if that’s still too intimidating, have your girlfriend sit with you and watch while you game. Heck, you can even ask her to be your wingman.
•  Ask her to help you spot snipers,  Chicks like flattery. If she feels like she’s helping, then you’re making it a positive experience.
• Internet casual games — which are popular with the female set — are a great entrée into the video-game world. Some are just online versions of offline games, such as poker and Sudoku, and still others are variations of well-known themes, such as match games and hidden-object puzzles.
• And, of course, everyone gave props to Nintendo for making gaming more inclusive. Heck, Carrie Underwood has a pink DS, right? And the Wii made being a gamer as easy as operating a TV remote.

Basically, treat it as a way to spend time together and interact.   Even if its not a girls game, just sit down with them cause you never know, they might just be a natural at it.  Above all, try to ignore the stereotypes and myths.

Source: MSN