We’ve all heard the term “match made in heaven,” but what does it really mean in the context of relationships? We know it’s all about finding that person who truly gets you, supports you, and, most importantly, has the same connection that keeps you both coming back for more. While some might think it’s all about deep conversations or grand gestures, there’s a fun secret to keeping a relationship strong: games. Yes, you read that right!
Playing games together—whether it's board games, video games, or creative challenges—can be a fun way to build a deeper connection. It’s not just about winning or losing, but about sharing laughter, understanding each other's strengths and quirks, and learning how to work as a team. So let’s dive into how you can use games to bring you and your partner even closer, all while having a blast along the way.
1. Board Games: A Classic for a Reason
Board games might seem a bit old-fashioned, but they’re timeless for a reason. Games like Scrabble, Monopoly, or Ticket to Ride can spark lighthearted competition and strategic thinking. Not only do you get to bond over fun conversations, but you’ll also discover each other’s problem-solving styles.
Pro Tip: Choose games that require teamwork or healthy competition. The goal is to learn about each other’s patience, sense of humor, and resilience. Play a game that has a mix of both.
Example: Picture this: You and your partner are playing Pandemic—a cooperative game where you have to save the world from a virus. As you debate whether to fly to Paris or treat the infection in India, you both start noticing how well you make decisions together. Suddenly, the game turns into a mini relationship test, and you realize you trust each other more than you thought.
2. Video Games: Teamwork in a Virtual World
If you and your partner are into video games, this could be a great opportunity to bond over something you both enjoy. Whether it’s exploring Zelda’s Hyrule, fighting together in Overwatch, or completing missions in Fortnite, video games offer endless opportunities to work together.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to gaming, start with a game that requires minimal learning curves but offers plenty of interaction, like Mario Kart or Minecraft.
Story: A couple I know, Sam and Lily, were into gaming separately, but they never played together. One evening, they decided to team up for a Zelda adventure. What started as a “let’s just try it” moment turned into weekly gaming nights. It wasn’t just about playing a game; they found themselves laughing over funny in-game moments and even developing inside jokes that no one else would understand.
3. Card Games: A Simple But Effective Icebreaker
You might think card games are for rainy afternoons with family, but they can be a fantastic bonding tool for couples, too. Games like Uno, Go Fish, or even a simple deck of playing cards can create moments of joy, suspense, and surprise.
Pro Tip: If you’re into deeper connection, try games like The 36 Questions Game, which uses cards with thought-provoking questions designed to encourage vulnerability and intimacy.
Example: Maria and Alex spent their Saturday nights playing Uno. It was their go-to way to relax after a long week, and the game became more than just a pastime—it became their ritual. Every time one of them yelled “UNO!” the room erupted in laughter, and sometimes, they’d end up talking for hours about the memories their card games triggered.
4. Truth or Dare: A Throwback with a Twist
Truth or dare is not just for teenagers at sleepovers. When played as a couple, it can help break down barriers, increase trust, and create plenty of funny moments. The beauty of this game is that it can be as light-hearted or as deep as you want it to be.
Pro Tip: Keep the dares playful and light, and make sure the truth questions are open-ended so your partner feels safe answering them.
Story: Mark and Zoe turned a simple game of truth or dare into a bonding experience by introducing creative and thoughtful dares like “tell me one thing you’ve never told anyone” or “describe your ideal future together.” These prompts encouraged deep conversations, and they both came away from the game with a renewed sense of connection.
5. Couples Trivia: Test Your Knowledge of Each Other
Couples trivia is a fun way to test how well you really know each other. From favorite foods to childhood memories, ask questions that dive into each other’s likes, dislikes, and quirks.
Pro Tip: You can even make it a regular activity by creating a “Couples Trivia Night” once a week. Keep score, and give a silly prize to the winner, like picking the movie for date night.
Example: Chris and Mia love playing couples trivia, but what made their game extra fun was how much they learned about each other, even after years of dating. Mia once answered, “pizza” for Chris's favorite food, but it turned out to be sushi! They both laughed and realized how much they still had to learn.
6. Escape Rooms: Put Your Problem-Solving Skills to the Test
For couples who love a good challenge, virtual or real-life escape rooms can be an exciting way to strengthen your bond. These games push you to work together under pressure, solving puzzles and riddles to “escape” within a set time limit.
Pro Tip: Whether in person or online, escape rooms can show how well you collaborate. Embrace each other’s strengths—one might be great at puzzles, while the other can think on their feet during time-sensitive moments.
Story: Jason and Emily entered an escape room, and at first, Emily was a little unsure. Jason, however, was determined to get through it. By the end of the game, they had learned so much about each other’s communication styles, teamwork abilities, and how well they handle stress. Spoiler alert: They escaped in the nick of time!
7. Cooking Challenges: Spice Things Up in the Kitchen
Cooking together isn’t just about making dinner; it’s about creating something together and enjoying the process. You can turn it into a fun challenge by competing to make the best dish or collaborating on a new recipe.
Pro Tip: Take turns being the “head chef” and “sous chef” to see how well you work together in the kitchen.
Example: One night, Olivia and Ben decided to have a spaghetti cook-off. Ben tried to impress with a fancy recipe, while Olivia kept it simple. They had a great laugh when Ben’s “fancy” sauce turned out to be a bit of a disaster. In the end, they both agreed Olivia’s simple sauce was the winner. But the real victory? A night full of fun and food.
8. Storytelling Games: Get Creative Together
Storytelling games, like Once Upon a Time or The Storymatic, encourage creativity and allow you to explore each other's imagination. It’s a fantastic way to open up about your dreams, fears, and fantasies in a playful way.
Pro Tip: Challenge each other to create a story where you both play the lead roles. What’s your love story? It could be anything—from a fairy tale romance to an action-packed adventure.
Story: Jenny and Liam played a storytelling game that asked them to create a magical world where they were superheroes. By the end of the game, they realized how well they balanced each other’s creativity, and they were inspired to start working on a creative project together.
9. DIY Love Games: Personalize Your Experience
If you’re feeling creative, why not design your own love-themed games? Create a treasure hunt or a scavenger hunt that’s tailored to your relationship, with clues that reference important moments, inside jokes, or things you both love.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get sentimental with your DIY games. Sometimes, it’s the personal touch that really makes the game memorable.
Example: Sarah and Jake created a personalized scavenger hunt where each clue led to a place they had visited together, like their first date or the café where they had their first kiss. By the time Jake found the last clue, he was so moved by the effort Sarah had put into it that he decided it was the perfect moment to propose.
10. Physical Challenges: Get Active Together
It’s not just about mental games—sometimes, you need to get physical. Whether it’s a game of Twister, an impromptu dance-off, or a couple’s fitness challenge, physical activities can build chemistry in a whole new way.
Pro Tip: Choose activities that you both enjoy and don’t take too seriously. The goal is to have fun and maybe even share a laugh when things get a little too competitive.
Story: Rachel and Tom decided to have a Twister showdown one lazy Sunday. What started as a silly game turned into a hilarious series of mishaps and spills, but it left them both in stitches, bonding over the experience.
11. Jenga: Balance, Patience, and Playfulness
Jenga might seem simple, but it’s surprisingly effective at bringing couples closer. Each block you pull is a small metaphor for your relationship: sometimes you have to be careful, sometimes you have to take risks, but in the end, you build something stronger together.
Pro Tip: Play the game with a twist by adding personal questions to the blocks. Every time a block is pulled, you answer a question about your relationship, making the game even more fun.
12. DIY Bucket List: Goals and Dreams in a Game
Create a game around your shared dreams and goals. Write down things you both want to do in life—things like “take a trip to Paris” or “run a marathon together”—and make a game out of ticking them off as a team.
Pro Tip: Keep the bucket list updated and revisit it every so often. Celebrate your wins and dream big!
Conclusion: Embrace Play and Grow Together
At the end of the day, games aren’t just about entertainment—they’re about connection. Whether you’re bonding over a game of cards, solving puzzles together, or simply laughing over a silly dare, playing together can reveal deeper layers of your relationship and strengthen your emotional bond.
So, next time you’re looking to spice up your date night or add a little fun to your weekend routine, remember that a game might just be the perfect way to bring you even closer. Happy playing!