Whether you’re both focusing on managing aspects of a pregnancy or you’re aiming to bring more fun back into a relationship, couples need to have some downtime and enjoy some entertainment together on occasions. Not only can it help us individually, but it’s also beneficial to a relationship if you can have fun and laugh together. Games are a great option in that respect.
It can be easy for life to take over and your particular routines to get in the way from time to time, but it’s certainly worthwhile finding the time to bring you and your partner closer together, and to help keep any boredom at bay in the process. Maggie Dancel PsyD, a couples therapist who hosts the podcast Full Disclosure, thinks games are a vital part of any relationship, saying: “Games trigger novelty, which can help you avoid a relationship rut.”
That doesn’t mean that you should retreat to your bedroom alone and attempt to complete the Rubik’s Cube in record time or fire up single-player games such as Angry Birds or the top casino-gaming titles at SlotsHeaven. Instead, there is a range of games that have been specifically designed with couples in mind. Of course, some products are worth avoiding, but on the whole, the options in this space can make for an interesting date night or provide a more memorable alternative to a Netflix binge.
Great conversation starters
A great place to start is with 36 Questions. A game that is said to make people fall in love, it can help you and your partner to fall even more in love as you navigate your way through a selection of thought-provoking questions to do with you and your relationship. Alternatively, Twenty Questions might appeal. Not only is it more casual and potentially more fun, but you’ll also be able to learn things about your partner that you might not have known before.
Console gaming options for a married pair
If the conversation has dried up, then some couples game together, although as we’ve already touched on, not all games are suitable for couples. Plenty of them are, though. One such game is Mario Kart which is a favorite of so many as they race against each other. Another great option is LittleBigPlanet and its mini-games which provide hours of fun and enable you to work together as a pair. Finally, Stardew Valley’s co-op mode is ideal for couples who fancy managing a farm and caring for animals.
Fun card games
Most people adore Uno, but Uno Dare takes things up a notch or two with its dares adding another element to an already popular game. As well as some PG-friendly dares, which are already included in the deck, couples can also come up with their own in what is a truly hilarious game to sample. Stet is a decent alternative also. With Stet, players are tasked with calling out any grammatical errors. If you or your partner has a penchant for all things grammar, then you’ll enjoy this one.
Board games, anyone?
Card games are good, but board games can be even better. Quoridor is a great option to start within that respect. Not only is it relatively easy to grasp, but it’s a well-designed and fun strategy game to do together. Wavelength is another excellent game also, especially if you and your loved one are regularly reading each other’s minds. The game essentially challenges you to do exactly that again, but this time it’s official. Bananagrams isn’t a bad option either, especially if you’ve dabbled in the odd game of Scrabble in the past.
