Fun, Friends, and Board Games: Strengthening Connections
Finding quality time to connect with friends can be hard; some find it awkward to reach out to others or struggle to connect deeply with friends and family. It's hard to make friends when you don’t know where to start, and it can be even harder to strengthen a connection when you haven’t established common ground or a connection.
Being able to connect with a community is undoubtedly important. Searching for one’s community can be challenging, especially for those who are less extroverted and find themselves spending more time without peers than with them. How do you reach out and begin learning more about someone? When conversation starters aren’t enough, what can we rely on?
The answer is board games. Although it may seem childish, board games allow us to find a time and place to connect with the people around us. Finding a reason to spend quality time with someone can be difficult, and board games alleviate the stress by simply providing meaning to get together and connect. If you want to spend time with friends but don’t know what to do, invite them over for some games.
In an earlier blog, we addressed why authenticity and deeper connections are essential for relationships. Strengthening these bonds allows for a healthier and improved social life. When we invite people into our homes, and subsequently our lives, we open ourselves up and show vulnerability and safety within our friends. This creates a safe and comfortable environment within our social circle.
Finding board games can be tricky; they present a mood and theme for the night. If you wanted a relaxing and stress-free night, a competitive game like Battleship would not be the best choice. There are plenty of games to suit any mood, whether you want a lighthearted laugh or a serious thought-provoking icebreaker; there is a board game for you.
Here are some of the best party games:
For giggles, I recommend Quelf, a game where you traverse across a board, answering truth-or-dare-like questions. This is a great game to start off a night and get everyone loosened up in the social environment. It is a great icebreaker game and has great replayability.
For already established friendships, card games such as Cards Against Humanity can bring great laughter. However, this game can be somewhat problematic, so understanding others' political and social values becomes important when navigating dark humor.
Artists and art lovers might enjoy Telestrations, a game akin to the classic telephone game, where one person describes something, observing how it gets translated back to them. It's a fantastic family game sparking creativity in every round.
For interactive games, Reverse Charades and Guesstures involve acting out prompts or scenes. These can be incredibly amusing and encourage people to open up and express themselves. For a more competitive yet active experience, consider Throw Throw Burrito, a fast-paced card game that feels akin to dodgeball.
Regarding card games, one of my favorites is Exploding Kittens, an easy-to-learn, quick game of defusing kittens and stealing cards from your friends. It's a great party game to play when seeking something to do.
Ultimately, the world of board games is boundless and highly versatile. This offers you and your friends the chance to grow closer, with or without a competitive edge. Using board games as a means to connect and invite people into our circle is incredibly easy and valuable. Next time you're seeking an activity with a friend, consider inviting them over for some games. You might be surprised by how much fun you'll have.
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