Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: family game night

  • The Great Escape: My Hilarious Attempt to Avoid Family Game Night

    The Great Escape: My Hilarious Attempt to Avoid Family Game Night



    We all have those family traditions that, while endearing, can sometimes feel like an obligation. For me, it’s our monthly game night. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family dearly, but there’s something about forced joviality and the inevitable Monopoly-induced meltdown that makes me want to disappear into the witness protection program. So, this month, I decided to stage a grand escape.

    The Dodgy Dentist Appointment: My Master Plan

    My master plan hinged on a single, fabricated element: a last-minute dentist appointment. I even practiced my “Oh no, my tooth is killing me!” grimace in the mirror.

    family, bless their trusting souls, bought it hook, line, and sinker. I could practically hear the internal sighs of relief that they wouldn’t have to endure another round of my cutthroat Scrabble strategy.

    Operation: Freedom…Foiled by a Family Text!

    With a theatrical wince and promises to “be back soon,” I made my grand exit. My destination? Sweet, glorious freedom in the form of a quiet coffee shop and a good book.

    family, crammed into the waiting room of…you guessed it, my dentist’s office. Apparently, what started as a “We miss you!” text quickly morphed into “Let’s surprise them!” And because the universe enjoys a good laugh at my expense, they chose that exact moment to pay a visit.

    Busted by My Family…and Sentenced to Board Games

    My cappuccino suddenly seemed less appealing. I considered, for a brief, insane moment, hiding under the table. But alas, even I’m not that skilled at disappearing acts. So, with the grace of a gazelle caught in headlights, I walked over to my family, my carefully constructed lie crumbling around me like a poorly built card tower.

    The worst part? They weren’t even mad. They thought it was hilarious! They laughed, they took pictures of my defeated face, and then, the cherry on top, they insisted we all go back to my place for game night. Because, as my dear mother put it, “We were already on our way!”

    What’s Your Best Excuse? Share Your Story!

    So, dear readers, I leave you with this: What’s the most elaborate excuse you’ve used to get out of something? Share your hilarious stories in the comments below!

    (Just don’t tell my family. They’re already planning the next surprise visit.)


  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from Playing Board Games

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from Playing Board Games



    From Monopoly Meltdowns to Catan Conundrums: Discovering Life Lessons

    Remember family game nights? The smell of popcorn, the faint hope of victory quickly fading as your sibling “accidentally” moved your game piece…again? Yeah, me too. While those nights might be associated with childhood memories (and maybe some mild trauma), I’ve come to realize that board games offer some surprisingly profound life lessons, even for us “grown-ups.”

    Life‘s Unpredictability

    Ah, Settlers of Catan, a game that taught me more about the fickle hand of fate than I ever cared to know! I’ve had games where I built a sheep-fueled empire, and others where the robber camped on my wheat field for what felt like an eternity. The point is, board games, much like life, involve an element of chance. You can strategize, plan, and even cheat (just kidding… mostly), but sometimes, the dice just don’t cooperate. And you know what? That’s okay. Learning to adapt to unexpected situations and finding ways to make the best of a less-than-ideal hand is a valuable skill, both on and off the game board.

    Lesson 2: The Art of Healthy Competition: Playing Fair and Winning Gracefully

    Confession time: I’m a terribly sore loser. Like, hide-the-Monopoly-money-so-no-one-can-win sore loser. But over the years, I’ve (somewhat) mellowed. I’ve learned that a little healthy competition is fun, and that winning is definitely more satisfying when you’ve earned it fair and square. However, there’s a fine line between strategic play and being a jerk. Gloating over a particularly ruthless move or constantly reminding everyone else how far behind they are is never a good look. Be a gracious winner, a good sport in defeat, and remember, it’s just a game! (Unless it’s Monopoly. Then all bets are off.)