Is it all just a game?

I've been thinking about something since I had a conversation with a RL colleague about how Tim and I met in Second Life. She was curious and I explained to her about the Second Life world, what it's capable of and all of those wonderful things that can happen because of it... She was raving about the Sims, comparing the two and suggesting that she would be interested in coming to see what SL was like... She said she was looking for a new game, and I offered to help her out, but part of me was twitching about it being game... What are your thoughts?

I have thought long and hard about this topic for the past 20 ish years of being in Second Life. When I think of games I do think of things like board games or video games, I think of PC games like the Sims and world building games, but then do I still consider Second Life in the same way? 
For some it looks like a game... Creating a character, creating a world and living a life that is different from the real one, it's an escape and a chance to be someone you want to be... But is it a game, or is it more of a chat simulation programme? I've worked in Second Life in a Real Life job, I met my husband in Second Life and we've been married for 12 years now, and I met some people that I will keep with me always too... Does that make it a game or is it something different? Is it because I've been here so long now that I feel this way, is it still a game to the new inhabitants or is it really a place that's something different? 
What do you think?? I've been pondering this a lot today whilst going about my boring chores, I just want to know if I'm the only one that feels this way... 

What is she wearing;
Hair: TRUTH  & Wasabi - Doremi in Redhead
Skin: amara beauty - Freya in Ivory
Glasses: Boutique #187 - Metal Frame Sunglasses
Necklace: AsteroidBox - Sylvia Chains
Top: miss chelsea - Nara Set in Top
Shirt: Mug - Jett Top in Black Flannel
Pants: miss chelsea - Nara Set in Jeans
Beer & Cigarette: Junk Food - Beer & Cigarette
Pose: [piXit] - Beatrice, Pose F1R
Dice: random.Matter - Game Night Dice Tray in Red
Beer Cans & Ice Bucket: hive - Beer Buds Pack
Backdrop: blaink - D&D Club