Hobbies And Interests
Communication Poker
This game for encouraging communication between couples requires a deck of playing cards, paper and writing utensils, such as pens or pencils. First, each player needs to cut out at least 10 scraps or strips of paper, on which the players should write out their wishes or desires. These papers serve as the game's poker chips. Before each hand of poker, each player antes or puts-in one of the papers, face-down; the winner of the hand collects both papers. At the end of an hour, or however long couples wish to play for, players can flip over their papers and then redeem the wishes or desires written on those papers at their convenience. Examples can include, "trip to the park," "cuddle time" or "folding laundry." The game provides a fun, non-verbal way for couples to communicate what they want from each other.
An Enchanted Evening
An Enchanted Evening is a board game for couples that encourages verbal communication. Each player starts by writing down a wish or desire, which is set aside until the end of the game. Players then take turns rolling dice and moving from square to square around a board. Upon landing on each square, a player must pull a card and complete the indicated task. Tasks can include describing hypothetical situations and reactions, such as how you would respond to or describe your significant other if -- at the time of game-play -- you were seeing your significant other for the first time. If certain tasks or topics make a player uncomfortable, that player should communicate to the other the reason for such discomfort. The player who gets around the board first wins and gets to have a secret wish fulfilled.
Speak Love Make Love
In comparison to An Enchanted Evening, Speak Love Make Love is a board game for couples that focuses more on the physical aspects of communicating. However, a primary goal of the game is to help couples discuss topics that they might otherwise be uncomfortable talking about. Players roll dice and pull cards, which designate tasks such as giving massages or describing fantasies.
LovePong
Unlike communication poker, An Enchanted Evening and Speak Love Make Love, LovePong is a game that couples play online. The game starts with one player completing a task, such as listing things he would like to be acknowledged for or completing the phrase, "Sometimes I get upset when you...." After completing the task, the first player "pings" his significant other by emailing his responses. The second player then "pongs" by providing her own responses and emailing them back to the first player. LovePong can help couples shed light on relationship issues and encourages continuous communication, even if they are not physically present.