Game night was a small gathering since half of the regulars are off on holiday. Some times, I've been so blue I feel like driving directly home after work, but I make myself at least drive down Mira Mesa, and of course once I'm on the roads leading to Kevin and Candyce's, I might as well go, so I do. Seeing so many happy couples in close proximity is painful. I don't think that I've ever seen such a concentration of happily married people. It's unnatural. ;)

My ex-husband's family used to get together to play games which was always fun, but my cherubs were always excluded. Dave's mom comes from the generation of children being fed at the little table, which is something I didn't appreciate. When my sister and I were small, we always ate with whatever grown ups came to visit, and when mom threw big parties we would get to help grill and cook. Putting children away separately always felt wrong.

Rob and I had a hard time finding games that we could play together peacefully because we're both competitive. Too often we'd end up arguing after playing something that such and such a move was too allowed, or wasn't, or whether he'd been ganged up on by me and the cherubs. The stress level made it impossible to enjoy playing anything together except something like SWG where we each specialized in something for the good of the team.

Game night here is a nice respite. The attendees are always friendly and welcoming. Games are chosen that appeal to both the "kill them all to win" and "cooperative play only" folks. Candyce always has a big hug for everyone. Broos always shares his groan-worthy puns. John is "always" the werewolf. :) It's a little bit of stability and community.