Playing games has always been thought to be important
to the development of well-balanced and creative children;
however, what part, if any, they should play in the lives
of adults has never been researched that deeply. I believe
that playing games is every bit as important for adults
as for children. Not only is taking time out to play games
with our children and other adults valuable to building
interpersonal relationships but is also a wonderful way
to release built up tension.
There's nothing my husband enjoys more after a hard
day of work than to come home and play a game of Chess
with someone. This enables him to unwind from the day's
activities and to discuss the highs and lows of the
day in a non-threatening, kick back environment. One
of my most memorable wedding gifts, a Backgammon set,
was received by a close friend. I asked him why in the
world he had given us such a gift. He replied that he
felt that an important aspect of marriage was for a
couple to never quit playing games together. Over the
years, as I have come to purchase and play, with other
couples & coworkers, many games like: Monopoly,
Chutes & Ladders, Mastermind, Dweebs, Geeks, &
Weirdos, etc. I can reflect on the integral part they
have played in our weekends and our "shut-off the
T.V. and do something more stimulating" weeks.
They have enriched my life and made it more interesting.
Sadly, many adults forget that games even exist and
have put them away in the cupboards, forgotten until
the grandchildren come over.
All too often, adults get so caught up in working to
pay the bills and keeping up with the "Joneses'"
that they neglect to harness the fun in life; the fun
that can be the reward of enjoying a relaxing game with
another person. It has been said that "man is that
he might have joy" but all too often we skate through
life without much of it. Playing games allows us to:
relax, learn something new and stimulating, interact
with people on a different more comfortable level, and
to enjoy non-threatening competition. For these reasons,
adults should place a higher priority on playing games
in their lives.
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