The statement "The family that plays together, stays together," may not be true 100% of the time, but the practice of this philosophy sure can improve the unity cohesiveness and fun for a family and/or a relationship with a significant other.     I grew up in a family in which we often played games.    Almost no day went by where we didn't play something--Sorry, Life, Monopoly, Candy Land, checkers, chinese checkers, backgammon, chess, ping-pong, shuffle board....and the list continues.    What fun times!  And, what great memories.   Games provided a way to relate, de-stress (except when I was losing!), and just have crazy fun times.

I spoke by phone with my Mom last evening, she became a widow this past April.   I've asked her several times how she's adjusting.   One of the things she mentions is how lonely it is in the evening hours.     She stated that she missed Dad so much for many reasons, but one of those reasons is that she and Dad had a game time almost each and every evening.  It was part of their routine.   They'd sit around the kitchen table and play word games, or Skip-Bo, or Rummykube, or something.     She shared that she missed that connecting time so much.

I'm alone this weekend.  Karen went to be with her mother who recently had a fall and needed some extra help.    I miss Karen for a lot of reasons, but one of those reasons is we will not be continuing our Rummykube "tournament" for a few nights.     Almost every night we now find ourselves seated around our kitchen table for a rousing game.    It's really not so much the game....although Karen would tell you that I keep score with paper and pen each game!!  (Of course - you have to have a winner or it's not a game!!).   But, truly, if I'm truthful it's about connecting time.     When Karen and I play Rummykube, for example, we do strategize our game....but, I find we chit-chat and laugh and play footsies under the table.   Games are such a great way to relate, unwind and connect with those you love.

I recommend that you turn off the T.V., put down that newspaper, and get out a game and have some connecting time.   It will be fun...and you will create some lasting positive memories.