Role-playing and role-players are often misunderstood. After telling some of my friends that's what I was planning on doing on a Friday night, I was told, "Why are you doing something like that? You know its only for people lacking social skills and YOU don't have that problem!" I always thought it was hilarious when they realized I'd been doing it my whole life.
My parents taught me to play at about age 8-10. Somewhere around there. They started me off on the fantasy game of Dungeon's and Dragon's. I believe Dr. Demento made fun of people calling it "Satan's Game." It's about as evil as playing any board game like Clue!
Now I'm a member of the official fan club of White Wolf (a productions company for various games) called the Camarilla. I have a link to sites for all these things I've mentioned by the way.
If you've never gamed, have a look around and see what you like, alright? It isn't as bad as you think!
