I like to play games.
How bout you?
I’m starting to notice a triggering effect the more often I ask people to play games with me. The invitation tends to trigger a slight panic more often than interest. I haven’t quite yet mastered how to relieve this tension. The best response could be to 1st acknowledged it.
How did this phrase ‘playing games’ pick up such an alarming tone? I feel like I’m one of the Mean Girls each time I say it, complimenting a sweater I know is hideous. Most games inevitably result in a player manipulating an advantage to the point of dominance. That sounds like a harsh reality on the surface, but I don’t think it’s the root of apprehension to playing.
I learned from a martial arts master that the greatest defense is to not be there. I think that’s the instinctive response that I am picking up on. Can’t lose if I don’t play. Losing feels like a small death & dying is high up there on most fear lists. Playing isn’t about winning or losing, it’s about engaging & connecting. That goes the same for relationships & we’ve all known that person who has to 1-up every interaction.
Even if I do pick up on that initial resistance to my invitation to play, I still hope to beg the questions - ‘What’s the game?’ & ‘How do you play?’
So, I jump into my used car salesman spiel. That’s what they were afraid of right?
Just hear it out - What kinda games do you like to play? Tell me about a good playing experience? & just like before getting into a car, the driver wants to be sure it’s safe.
I don’t know what your experience is with play. Some have been violated more than others. I just know there is a lot of fun to be had & seats at the table.
BOOP, Bites, & King of New York are some instant classics that are easy to learn & special in their own ways. Different strokes for different folks. To each their own. Do you like kitties, picnics, or do you have to be King of the Jungle?
Click the link below to a more in depth survey so I can best match you with a game that feeds your needs.
About Myself
The friend zone don’t bother me, unless it really means that I’m just someone’s social supply. Games help me make friends. I don’t always understand the rules for social interaction, but I know them better than some may give me credit for. There are different rules for people of color especially when it comes to legal matters. There are different rules for women in matters that they can tell me. Same goes for the LGBTQ+ community. But with these games, the rules are the same. Sometimes there's individual advantages to a chosen character, but they’re all designed to be balanced.
This establishes the comfort & safety for a beautiful friendship. When playing poker with real $ on the line, a Full House is always a Full House. No gender or race politics is going to change that. Equity to me means we all have the same chance to win from the start. My goal is for you to believe that when we play you can win. Then & only then will I seek to destroy you.
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