Games can be a great way to foster community and civility between people. Even though there is a competitive aspect since nobody likes to lose, there’s still something liberating about playing games. You’re free to act silly, say and do things that you normally wouldn’t, and have a ton of fun. They provide a great opportunity to practice being unconcerned with what others think of you, which can carry over into other areas of life.
They’re also great for teaching lessons about winning and losing. Someone who usually excels at whatever they do may learn how to be humble if they discover a game that challenges them. On the flip side, someone who struggles with a lot of activities but finds a game for which they have some talent can learn how to enjoy their victory without going overboard. Win or lose, there’s always a lesson to be learned and another opportunity to try again later.
Games are my preferred way to break the ice and get to know somebody new or get closer to somebody I already know. They give everyone something to focus on besides small talk or nonstop conversation. There’s typically a lot of laughter, which is incredibly freeing as well as unifying when everyone’s laughing together. This makes it easier for me to relax, be myself, and then interact more comfortably with everyone after we’ve finished playing.
Those are some of the many benefits of playing games with other people, whether you’re playing board games, card games, word games, a sport, or any other kind of game. I love a good game night but you don’t have to wait until then to have fun. Dancing, juggling, telling stories, taking pictures, and almost anything else can become a game if you know how to make it one. Bringing a sense of play into daily life can make hard times more bearable and good times even better. How do you incorporate games and play into your regular life?