Reignite Connection and Laughter: How Hosting a Board Game Night Can Strengthen Your Relationships
There’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about the click of game pieces, the roll of dice, and the collective laughter that erupts during a competitive moment. Whether it’s Monopoly, Life, Clue, or the strategic world domination of Risk, board games are more than just a pastime—they’re a powerful way to spark connection and deepen relationships.In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, gathering around a board game creates an unplugged space where laughter, collaboration, and real conversation take center stage. You don’t need to be a game master—just willing to play.
Recently, a friend shared that her son created a new board game combining role-playing with traditional mechanics. It reminded me how play activates our creativity, reduces stress, and draws us closer together. Science confirms this: shared leisure activities are directly linked to improved relationship satisfaction (Orthner & Mancini, 1990). That’s a powerful truth for such a simple activity.
Why a Board Game Night Works
Board games create:
- Friendly Competition – A safe space for rivalry that encourages mutual respect and humor.
- Shared Experience – Each round becomes a memory made together.
- Natural Connection – Games break the ice, encourage eye contact, and lead to organic conversations.
- Inclusive Fun – Everyone from grandparents to grandkids can join in.
But beyond anecdotal joy, studies show that play increases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” promoting trust and empathy (Zak, 2011). This hormone plays a crucial role in human connection—something every relationship can benefit from.
Steps to Create a Relationship-Boosting Board Game Night
- Choose Your Games Wisely – Pick games that are fun and easy to understand. Classic favorites are great, but try a new theme or version to shake things up.
- Set the Scene – Dim the lights, light a candle, grab snacks—make it feel like an event. Comfort sets the tone.
- Play and Engage – Be present. Laugh at the mishaps, cheer for each other, and enjoy the unfolding drama of the game.
- Notice the Energy – Pay attention to how the group feels. Laughter, joy, even a little suspense—all contribute to emotional bonding.
- Reflect Together – After the game, ask: What did you enjoy most? What surprised you? What made you laugh the hardest?
These micro-reflections help anchor positive emotions and deepen appreciation for one another.
The Deeper Gift of Play
Many adults forget how to play—yet it’s essential. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, emphasizes that play is a biological drive as important as sleep or nutrition, and it directly supports emotional resilience and relationship satisfaction (Brown, 2009).
Whether you’re reconnecting with your partner, your kids, or your colleagues, game night is a low-pressure, high-impact way to rediscover joy together. It’s about so much more than winning—it’s about being present.
So this weekend, dust off your old favorites. Invite someone in. Create space for joy and laughter. Your relationships will thank you.
What’s your all-time favorite board game? Have you hosted a game night recently? Share your stories or tips in the comments—and if you want more ideas like this, check out the full article: Reignite Connection and Laughter: How Hosting a Board Game Night Can Strengthen Your Relationships on my website!
References
Journal of Leisure Research, 22(2), 125–137.
(The book doesn’t have a direct scientific article link, but the concepts are drawn from Zak’s research on oxytocin.)