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Picture this: It's the end of a long and busy day. The kids are finally in bed, and you're ready for some relaxing downtime, so you and your spouse grab your phones or turn on the TV.
Sound familiar? That’s often what my husband and I do as well, but a new study has me rethinking the nightly screen time.
Recent research in the Journal of Leisure Research found that couples who play board games or cooperative games together regularly experience fewer arguments and report higher relationship satisfaction over time. Couples release oxytocin—the “love hormone”—when playing together, strengthening their bond at the chemical level.
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As a busy wife juggling work, kids, and household responsibilities, I'll admit I struggle to make time for board games with my husband. But reading this research reignited my desire to make it happen. Our marriage deserves intentional effort, especially during busy seasons.
Games help us play with our spouses, something we often forget to do as adults, but which adds more fun and joy to daily life. You can learn at the National Institute for Play about the different “play personalities” and why playing with your spouse strengthens your bond.
In Catholic marriage, we're called to grow in love and unity throughout our lives together. Finding ways to have fun with your spouse keeps the relationship strong and reminds you why you fell in love in the first place.
Games for two people
You might be thinking, “That all sounds fine, but what can we play together?” It turns out that there’s a whole world out there of two-person games.
A short list is below, but don’t miss this comprehensive list on Reddit featuring 40 of the Best 2-Player Board Games of All Time for more ideas.
Here are a few fun options that work for couples:
- Classic strategy: Chess, checkers, backgammon, Othello
- Modern favorites: Lost Cities, Jaipur, Splendor, Dominion
- Fun and active: Klask (like air hockey meets foosball)
- Build together: Settlers of Catan (with the two-player variant)
- Simple card games: Any traditional deck games like cribbage or gin rummy
The key is finding something you both enjoy. Start with shorter and simpler games if you're new to this or pressed for time.
Hopefully making time to play together will help you and your spouse to connect, laugh, and grow in love for each other, even — or especially — when you’re both busy.
