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Playing mind games is a red flag that you should look out for in your relationships, no matter what stage you’re in with a prospect or partner. For the upcoming season of love and hearts though, we’ve turned the terminology “mind games” on its head into something constructive! Here are a few online games you can play with a special someone to lead progression into your relationship, sans the “What are we?” text messages.
If you’ve just matched with a cute, interesting person on Bumble and need a first date idea…
Created as a co-op spinoff to the Codenames title, Codenames: Duet is a version of the spy identifying game that requires only two players. A double-sided card with a visual identifier code is laid out for both players to see and refer to throughout the game. You must successfully identify all 15 agents together, but you both must also avoid getting eliminated by a double agent. To figure out the double agent’s identity, clear communication and constant teamwork is a necessity. By playing this game together, both of you can paint clearer mental images of how your communication skills and thought processes work!
If you’re stuck in the talking stage, seeking to take things further…
We’re Not Really Strangers (Honest Dating expansion pack)
The name of this game speaks for itself, and it’s meant to shake things up if and when you’re ready for it. The Honest Dating expansion pack of the popular card game We’re Not Really Strangers seeks to clear whatever confusion might already be present in your budding relationship. Two people are to exchange turns asking each other questions such as “What is something new you’ve learned about yourself recently?” and “When’s the last time you ghosted someone, and why?” The game allows you to ask questions you have not found the opportunity to ask just yet, with prompts that tackle self-discovery, past mishaps in relationships that you’re sure not to repeat, and more thought-provoking questions. With this, your next date will have you zooming in on everything you need to see before you choose to enter this next chapter of your life.
If you’re in the honeymoon phase and need something else to do…
Better Topics (Intimacy Deck expansion)
When your relationship is still teetering on the line between getting to know each other and fully developed intimacy, the ideal course of action is to keep moving forward within your connection! The Better Topics base game provides you with necessary questions to ask to build a stronger foundation for trust, and its accompanying Intimacy Deck expansion helps prolong this interesting period between the two of you. The game is also available on IOS and Android, which means that you can still play the game when you two are apart! It’s a refreshing alternative to your usual food-sending or movie streaming options.
If you’re in a long-term relationship and are thinking of a particularly interesting way to spend Valentines Day…
Truth or Dare is a game that we are used to playing with peers, or in a group. However, when the basic mechanics of this classic game are modified specifically for two committed people, there simply is more fun to be had! This version of Truth or Dare created by Unbound is meant to strengthen an intimate bond you already share with someone, with fun, spicy prompts as well as a “Pass” card that freely enables you to voice consent.
No matter what stage you’re in in your relationship, there will always be ways to make things interesting and fun. Find what works for you, and be open to giving more space for joy to enter your life in little ways. Vantage Magazine wishes you a happy and eventful Valentines Day this year!
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