Scrabble: A Gift That Can Spell Character

Game time is an excellent opportunity to learn more about other people.

To get the most out of games with other people look for integrity, character, and other significant qualities while playing.

Take advantage of the interaction that you can have during game time and learn what you need to know about other people.

It's a great chance to evaluate who they are and what the chances of a relationship with them should look like.

Don't miss out on the many opportunities that playing games can provide--you just never know how important it could be.

The gift of a Scrabble game can give more than you might expect!

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☐ My husband and I play a friendly game of Scrabble. If one of us misses a good word then we help the other. “Look here, Honey-pie, if you do this instead of that, what happens?” We drink hot tea or eat popcorn and discuss any number of things.

We both have very competitive personalities so games can get interesting, but we have learned to relax and laugh and enjoy some down time as we help each other hone our thinking skills and sharpen our memories.

I’ve always thought that playing a game was a great chance to get to know a person, as in to evaluate a person’s personality and character. Cheaters, angry people, whiners, spoiled brats, followers, leaders, cunning as opposed to creative, you name it and their traits come out in a good game. It gives us a chance to get to know more about each other and ourselves if we are willing to think through the behaviors we see.

The dance of the game is an opportunity to observe what kinds of responses you’ll get from new acquaintances in different situations. Does the other person reveal that they are controlling or distrustful by insisting on keeping score all the time? As well, the casual conversation that takes place during a game can open up insights into the past, present, and whether you want there to be a future.

We might be able to determine the maturity level of a person after playing a few games. Being able to gauge how patient a person is, or whether a person is willing to have fun with something you want to do even if they are not particularly interested can be important indicators of how much time you want to invest in the relationship. If you are going to grow old with someone you need a person who is willing to do things to stretch their mind, not just exercise their body in some way.

I guess that’s why it occurred to me the other evening that playing games on a regular basis should be a requirement before any relationship goes to the next level. Imagine how companies could benefit if a psychologist played a game of Scrabble with prospective employees.

Just think of the bad characters you could avert from your children’s path if you played a few word games with their new friends. How might an argument turn out if everyone were required to set it aside and play a game before resuming the issue?

One of the most important reasons to play games with little children is because they grow up. Parents need to have important conversations with older children but that's not always an easy task. The habit of playing games develops habits of conversation--and we all know what a rare commodity talking with teen children is unless parents plan ahead. An eye on the future will give you patience with Candy Land and Old Maid today.

So get out your Valentine's Day gift wrap (or any day that touches your heart!) and tape up a game, perhaps even a Scrabble game, then write "Because I want to to get to know you better!" on the gift tag. It could be the beginning of something beautiful or an opportunity to have something revealed that you need to know! And, if it is returned to you next year just google in all the letter tile crafts that are available online. You’ll be hooked on Scrabble one way or another!

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