I love this because I adore games & structured play with ADHD. No one ever guessed I was neurodivergent because I was always organizing something social. Unstructured hangout time tended to baffle me until I got older!
Other underrated qualities of board games that computer games lack:
* They don't require a Steam account
* They don't require an Internet connection
* They don't require electricity
* You can physically hit other players when they grief you
I've started playing "euro-style" board games about 10 years ago with a bunch of old friends. It's a great way to connect with people without using that magical, attention-seeking rectangle and without completely disengaging your brain.
Seems I have some overlaps with you and others. As someone with ADHD, boardgames have been my safe space to communicate and connect with others and with less fears.
As a neurodivergent the rules of communication can be a challenge, as they vary from person to person, culture to culture. I worried a lot about these missteps due to masking most my life. After ADHD diagnosis, boardgames have facilitated my ability to safely unmask & put the focus elsewhere.
Masking can be different things for each person. For me, I called it my chameleon, as I tailored my persona to the person/group so that I fit in. It's less about upsetting a balance & more to avoid uncomfortable situations, explaining oneself or finding yourself alone/rejected.
Oh wow, that is awesome. My assumption is that it makes you whole on some level? I can see that. I mainly use board games to connect with my wife and stay off screens and doom scrolling, plus all the mental health benefits.
It's great to find a hobby and a group that centers you in some way.
Comments
* They don't require a Steam account
* They don't require an Internet connection
* They don't require electricity
* You can physically hit other players when they grief you
It's great to find a hobby and a group that centers you in some way.