Do you remember the last time you and your significant other sat down to play a game together? I can, it was before our 7-month old was born. Planning a game night with just the two of you strengthens your bond because you get to compete and have fun at the same time. Friendly competition, according to experts, brings you closer together because engaging in games raises feel-good endorphins and brings you closer together, according to “More,” a woman’s magazine.

I know firsthand how gaming can start a relationship and keep the fires burning after you've been together a couple of years. My husband and I met through mutual friends I had gone to visit. I know at first I didn't know what to think about him while I stayed the weekend with them. One game changed it all; that game was Canasta. You see, though, it wasn't about what game we played, it was how we played.

I was able to tell a lot about him during that game. Number one, I knew he cared about what I thought because he didn't get mad during the moments I pulled ahead of him. I learned what he liked and didn't like during that game and I knew that he could get along well with other people because there was more than one person there that night. All and all a pretty good night because I knew by the end, I was highly attracted to him.

We continued to play games throughout our relationship and into our marriage. Only stopping once our baby was born. Now, the goal is to make time for a fun, stress free game night. It doesn't matter what game you and your significant other play. The important thing is that you have a chance to get to know each other better. Even those of you who just started dating can gain insight from a game whether it's a round of darts at a tavern or a marathon game of monopoly.