Fun & Games

Oh, how the world loves games! Young, old -  rich, poor - it doesn’t matter. They all love games. Every culture on the face of this planet has dreamed up at least one game that every last one of them thoroughly enjoys. The participants will throw themselves into it and, beaming with enthusiasm, love every minute. Even the ones who are mere spectators get a huge kick out of just watching.

Yep, everyone loves games. Everyone, that is, but me. I can’t explain this. Maybe it’s the whole competitive thing. I’m not sure, but whether it’s one of those games that falls into the category of parlor games like cards and chess, or one of those outdoor/backyard games like volleyball and croquet, I just don’t seem to enjoy them. I wish I could. I do, but every time I get dragged into one, I find that I can’t wait for it to end. 

It’s not as if I haven’t tried. I really have. I can’t begin to count the number of games I’ve played over the years - scrabble, corn hole, bunco, kickball, Chinese checkers, and even solitaire – just to name a few. There are hundreds more, I’m sure. I used to play a halfway decent game of tennis at one time, but I was never interested in actually playing a game. I just wanted to get out there and bat the ball back-and-forth for the fun of it. I don’t even get that much enjoyment out of winning. Someone once taught me how to play a card game, and I  turned right around and beat that very same person two games in a row. You’d think I’d get some enjoyment out of that, but no, I didn’t. I haven’t played since. I can handle a little badminton every 10 or 15 years, but that’s about it.

So to all of you who love playing whatever it is you’re into, please, go right on playing. Have fun! I’ll most likely be off somewhere shopping or reading or discussing current events with equal enthusiasm. Sound boring? Perhaps, but don’t worry. I’m happy.