Every month or so, I gather friends over to my house for a night of food and board games. Those friends, the ones you make after leaving high school and will form your adult circle. As a gang, we're quite spread out, living miles apart from each other.
The boardgames are an accessory to bringing us closer together, letting us talk, trade casual insults and update each other on what's happening. We would be meeting far less frequently if not for these gatherings (and the allure of food, which I provide plenty of).
It's a social activity. Playing boardgames require us to sit around a table, talk and make eye contact. Some people visit bars and that's fine. For someone who isn't very social, the boardgames facilitate gatherings in the home or in the coffee shop. It's one way to enjoy yourself in a place (and with an activity) you're comfortable with.
The games are also incredibly fun. When you mention board games, most people think of Monopoly and Risk and are dismissive. Understandeable, those are terrible games. You need to look closer to find some of the best games out there. Agricola, Ticket to Ride, Blokus, Codenames, The Resistance. The ones that test your intelligence and imagination. Simple to learn, but fiendishly clever in design.
Strengthening friendships, keeping in touch and having fun. That's why I formed a board games club.
They're also very affordable. Some will set you back £40 or so, but your games will last you a very long time as long as you're not abusing them. You might not find these in your average toy shop, but this is what online shopping is for.
If your friend shows up with Monopoly, though, head for the hills. Seriously, he needs to throw that in the bin.
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