Why do you play Sims?

I'm a writer and I found this another avenue to to tell my stories. My addiction to the Sims2 also came just prior to a very trying time in my life. I lost 16 people in my RL Circle of family and friends, in a 2 1/2 year stretch of time, starting with the death of my father. About every 6 weeks to 2 months, someone else passed away. The same day I had my beloved dog put down, I came home to learn the Godfather of both of my sons had passed! Some deaths were due to illness (such as my Dad), others due to accidents, one to murder. It was a very rough time, but I found an escape by playing this game — until my favorite Sim perished. I cried like a baby and promptly started this family anew. But, yeah, it's also very therapeutic. Nowadays, I play for the fun of it and to relax.