I’ve realized some things about myself over the years playing games, some flattering and others not so much. Let’s start with flattering: I’m great at crafting a long term strategy, at weighing odds and predicting the strategies of others, I’m good at word games too, and I like for everyone to be included. Not so flattering: I hate learning new things, because like with most things new- I’m not good right away. I am fiercely competitive with myself-I must win and if I don’t I give up. And I didn’t realize this until Eric pointed it out, but I am a sore winner- I talk a lot of smack, however, am oddly silent in a loss. These things, my friend, take the fun out of games and relationships the same.
As we played on Saturday, and we ladies kicked butt in Girls vs. Guys Catch Phrase, I thought of a number of ways to gloat (not including the blog- I just came up with that bright idea), and in the past would have said them all, but found myself asking myself "Why?" Ego, ego, ego! The problem with this is, community as I see it, is not about ego. We certainly all have the right to a certain amount of pride, confidence and self determination, but not to the detriment of others. The reason why we had a game night was to hang out with family and friends, to have fun, try new things, challenge our brains for a bit and remember what life is really about—and we got that. Being that angering or humiliating others was not on the list, I checked my ego, closed my mouth, and let the best of me guide the ship.
Do our weaknesses make us horrible people- by no means, but are they worthy of reflection and efforts to mediate- yes indeed. Games allow us a safe space to learn these lessons. They’re a lot less harsh than the real world for sure….and I am thankful for the chance.
What lingers with me right now, and I’m confident will too in the future, is not the score, but instead the lesson, the laughter, and talk about “next time”….Can’t wait.
