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I’ve been thinking about playing, and fun, lately. We talked about “play” in book club recently and went around the room discussing the things we do as play. Quite a few of us were quiet; I’m not sure what it even means to play. I think if I was at the beach, I would “play” in the waves, “play” with sand, and maybe act “playful” in general, but otherwise, I can’t picture myself playing, in a physical sense anyway. When my niece and nephew and stepson were younger I would play with them, as you do with young children, but play is different as adults. Shouldn’t it be?
It’s not as if I don’t have fun. But my idea of fun is literally curling up on the couch with a book, a cup of coffee and a blanket nearby. Or binge watching an excellent tv show on Netflix. Or a long walk with Dagny. Watching birds at the feeder. Dinner with friends. Maybe doing a jigsaw puzzle?
I enjoy board games or card games sometimes, but I’m so competitive my sister refused to play Monopoly with me for a couple of decades, now I can only play with a vodka tonic nearby. And some of the ladies in book club mentioned that they play by “ecstatic dancing“, which to me, is anxiety-inducing.
I don’t think everyone has to play a certain way, or have fun a certain way, but I would love to try and “let loose” a bit more, disengage sometimes, forget about how I fit in wherever it is that I am. Get out of my head. I do that in Pure Barre, but I wouldn’t call that fun LOL
- Do you consider yourself a serious person? a playful person?
- Do you “play?” How?
- What do you like to do for fun by yourself? with others?
- How does the way you dress reflect your serious or fun personality? Does it? Are you more “fun” in the way you dress than you are in real life?
- What’s your “guilty” pleasure?
My answers:
- I am definitely a serious person. I am happy, and I have fun, but not in a “playful,” let loose, delirious way. I am always on guard and paying careful attention to my surroundings and the people I’m with. I fear I stay so serious and guarded so I don’t become too vulnerable, or open myself up too much. I need to re-read Brene Brown…
- I don’t really play. When we’re on family vacation I let loose a bit more than usual, and one of the things Leo and I enjoy the most is playing pictionary with the whole family. So, I guess I play…within reason 😉 But on a daily basis, I don’t make an effort to play.
- I honestly prefer to be by myself most of the time. I love it…and am happiest with a book (my kindle), coffee, and a blanket. I also really enjoy going out for dinner with friends, or happy hour, or just hanging out – low key is best, otherwise I tend to get overwhelmed…
- I am serious, and most of the time I think I dress very seriously, although I do wear things that are not typically flattering, with interesting silhouettes, or have some unique detail, so perhaps my wardrobe isn’t as “serious” as I think it is?? Maybe it is fun, just within certain constraints. Like me.
- Definitely binge watching something on netflix or amazon. I feel guilty when I do it, because it’s not enriching my brain at all, it’s just entertaining. I’ve never been great at engaging in things that are purely entertaining, but I appreciate how regenerating that can be when I do do it.
Your turn!!!
It’s interesting to think how people play as adults versus as children. I think playing as an adult might entail more social gatherings (when playing with others) like a BBQ in the back yard or meeting friends at a bar or restaurant. This past Sunday my husband had his coworkers over for a BBQ and we all played corn hole and horseshoes as well as drinking and eating a lot.
1. I’m definitely a more serious person and I really need to learn how to let loose more.
2. I play games on my 3DS (btw, I am over 40) and I also play co-driver on video games with my husband. He’s always been a gamer and some games are nice adventure ones that we both like exploring together. He usually handles the controls and I remind him of where to go or if he missed something, etc… I’m more of a backseat driver now that I think about it.
3. I play games with my husband occasionally – actual board games. We have a few we like. By myself I’ll usually read manga or watch anime shows. I also like going on hikes in local parks and sometimes the husband will join me or we’ll call friends and go on an outing together.
4. I would say I’m probably more of a serious dresser than playful. I want to be more playful though and have been experimenting with different silhouettes to be more playful and figure out what I like best. I felt the serious side of dressing was getting boring and I stayed safe with styles because it’s what I always see around me. Now I want to challenge that.
5. I’m very guilty of binge watching anime shows. Many series are just 12 episodes (23 minutes each) and I’ve watched entire series in a day. Not the best waste of time, but I love being drawn in to a different world like that.
I am an introspective person, but I wouldn’t say I’m serious, necessarily, though others may disagree with me. I think I experience my range of emotions very dramatically.
My husband and I pick on each other, sometimes I dance around the living room, and I play board games every so often. My sister and I like to brainstorm creative projects, too, which is sort of like playing make believe. I also LOVE editing photos, so I guess what I do is creative but not necessarily totally letting loose.
I like to go thrift shopping, read, blog, or take long walks when I’m by myself. With others, I’m good sitting around and talking, but hikes are fun, too.
I think I dress in a way that’s pretty fun. I love color and texture, but I guess I’m not too adventurous when it comes to silhouettes. This wasn’t always the case, but I like the simplicity of the clothes I have now. Clothes are one of my main creative outlets.
What’s your “guilty” pleasure?
Hmm, probably Bollywood movies, weird shoes, and long thrift excursions.
Do you consider yourself a serious person? a playful person?
Playful, for sure, though I’ve become more introverted as I’ve gotten older and it’s hard for me to reconcile these parts of myself.
Do you “play?” How?
Well….Even as a child, I much preferred reading to anything else 😉 Mom would tell me to go outside, so I’d sit under a tree and read! I adore board games, husband and I watch (recorded) Jeopardy while exercising every night, I do crossword puzzles and play yahtzee or video poker on my phone waiting in line at the grocery store (when I’m not reading…) But physical play? No, not really. We used to have horseshoe pits but didn’t use so removed. Sometimes we’ll set up croquet, and I’d like to get bocce (again) because you can do a freeform version all over the yard if you feel like it – no set up or maintenance…
What do you like to do for fun by yourself? with others?
Alone? Cook, read, watch tv. Often all at the same time, and half the time with my cat. Try to get together with my college roommates every couple of years -we’re all over the place; our last get together was a house rental in a tiny fishing village in Portugal. Cooking, drinking, walking/touring with them while catching up on each others lives is wonderful.
How does the way you dress reflect your serious or fun personality? Does it? Are you more “fun” in the way you dress than you are in real life?
If I had to pick a fashion style, it would be preppy bohemian. I’ll wear a shift dress with Birkenstocks, cardigans and/or scarves with everything. Very much still Connecticut in the 80s (without the pink/lime green) I think my personality is usually more interesting than the way I dress.
What’s your “guilty” pleasure? I refuse to feel guilty doing things I enjoy when I’m not ignoring my responsibilities the rest of the time. That said – drinking a bottle of rose on the patio in the summer with my husband, ignoring my chores and curling up to read a book on a Saturday. Esp if that book is a romance novel. Spending a couple hours making one interesting/complicated dish for dinner and skipping vegetables 😉
“Ecstatic dancing”…hmmm….I’m picturing a whirling dervish. Probably not what they have in mind. 😉
1. I’m a playful person. I’m often the life of the party. But it takes a lot of energy to do that, so I’m not sure it’s play.
2. I like to be spontaneous and not planned out, when it comes to fun, anyway, or travel. My “game”: I chase my cat around the table. We have this game called “Where’d Gabey go?” He hides under the table, I walk around it saying, “Where’d Gabey go?” and then he jumps out, paws in the air with a wimpy leap at my legs..,then he runs back under the table and we do it all again. About 4 or 5 times. My husband thinks it’s nuts!!! I used to play Trivial Pursuit quite competitively until I got really mad at my dad for gloating and called him an asshole…we don’t play anymore.
3. I like to watch YouTube makeup videos, read books and magazines, take walks along the beach, take long naps on the beach, go to movies (I do that by myself or with my husband), sit outside on the deck and watch the ocean with a beer or glass of wine. My hubby and I binge-watch Scandinavian and British detective shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime.
4. I would say that most of the time, my clothing style suits my personality: Casual, care-free, comfortable, with a pop of “ME”!
5. Guilty pleasure? I’m not into guilt, but I love to browse Instagram on my iPad and my family gets mad at me for not being present. Fair complaint.
#2. Backseat driver…Lol!!! 🙂
Ha – my dad won’t play Trivial Pursuit with me either 😉 Not since he couldn’t easily beat me…..Gee, where’d’ya think I learned to be so competitive? 😉 I’d play with you!!! Over a glass of wine on the patio!
I’ll play! 🙂
1. I guess I’d consider myself a serious person. I’m very introverted and somewhat shy, so it takes me a while to really get to know people and let my guard down. I have two young boys, so they give me an excuse to be silly in public a lot, though. I would never be considered the life of the party, though.
2. I’ve never liked sports and I don’t have a competitive gene, I think. I love to admire the outdoors, preferably from a comfortable, air-conditioned room, ha ha. Having a dog has forced me outside a lot more, and I realized how much I enjoy taking daily walks and watching the seasons change. I used to be a big walker, especially when my kids were little, but I’d gotten out of the habit. I wouldn’t say I “play,” though. I’m more inclined to watch others play, whatever that might be. I don’t like board games, but I’d be happy to sit with people while they play and enjoy a bit of conversation.
3. I really enjoy reading (books, magazines, blogs, online articles), blogging, and I’m sort of obsessed with natural beauty products these days. With my family, I love watching movies, going out to try new restaurants, and exploring parks or museums with my kids.
4. I used to dress more deliberately and very feminine (lots of florals and ruffles), but these days, I think I’m more practical, monotone, and maybe a little boring. I like a uniform and wear the same things over and over again. It works for me. I’m playful with my accessories and like switching out shoes, purses, and jewelry. And makeup, too.
5. When I’m alone, I like to unwind by watching makeup videos on YouTube. I also do this when I fold laundry, which is often. I don’t feel guilty doing it, especially when I’m folding the laundry. It makes the chore go faster.
Lol!! Thank you! Let me just say, it was horrifying when that slipped out. And yes, he’s a former pro athlete, so I know where I got it from. 😉
I am totally “young at heart” at 48 years old. I love to go to rock concerts, i.e. Green Day, The Weeknd, Fall Out Boy with my teenage girls and other mom friends. I play the violin and am in a amateur orchestra. I love to play harmless practical jokes and even got “shushed” at bingo the other night! {Had no idea one had to conduct oneself with decorum at bingo -who knew!}
Although when not provoked into fun, I look very sedate. I dress usually in blacks and greys. I would consider myself an introvert as I am not one to initiate conversation with a stranger and do prefer to be alone most of the time. I love to read and shop alone. But call me for happy hour or a party and I will be the first one there and the one closing things down!
This was a “fun” post, especially seeing what the other readers have to say!
Do you consider yourself a serious person? a playful person?
I think I’m a pretty playful person, but I know when I need to be serious. I’m pretty introverted and it takes me a while to warm up to people ( I’m HORRID at small talk)but when I’m comfortable with someone, I am a very playful, no filter, goofy type person.
Do you “play?” How?
To me yoga is play. I do go to serious “techniques” type classes, but my home practice and teaching style is all about being playful and enjoying and exploring the things you can do in your earthsuit. I also love to swim, go for walks, and to Estate Sales. I love looking at other peoples things and houses. Also, if there in an open house I’m pulling in.
What do you like to do for fun by yourself? with others?
By myself, yoga, reading, walking, knitting, painting. I love being but myself, I’m very comfortable. Others which is pretty much my Dave and family when visiting going to the beach, swimming, walking, laughing, eating and playing with my animals.
How does the way you dress reflect your serious or fun personality? Does it? Are you more “fun” in the way you dress than you are in real life?
Fun, I love color and pattern and even if my dress is neutral I always have on either bright shoes, crazy sunnies, big hat, and bright bag….sometimes all at once.
My life is pretty quiet/low key so the way I dress might look more fun than others might perceive my life to be, but I’m still having a good time.
What’s your “guilty” pleasure?
I love campy TV. We love to watch Midsomer Murder and give it the mystery science theater treatment.
I’m also a huge James Bond fan and own all and have watched numerous times every movie in the collection.
Also love Love love old westerns and can quote The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly trilogy.
But I don’t feel guilty about it 😉
oh!! i need some good bollywood movie recommendations. i’ve NEVER actually seen one. a real one. i mean, i saw slumdog millionaire, but i’m not sure that’s a bollywood movie 😉
you’re right about refusing to feel guilty – i need to get better at that. i’m starting, but i may have mentioned before that my mother didn’t let us watch tv unless we were doing something with our hands, so growing up i was always doing needlework/quilting/etc. still, she can’t watch tv without knitting, or being on the treadmill!!
i think ecstatic dancing is like that LOL – it’s just completely letting go of yourself – well, not completely. you’re not allowed to talk or anything when you’re on the dance floor. again, just thinking about it gives me anxiety. which probably means i should try it!!
leo and i love trivial pursuit, but we’ve pretty much exhausted all the questions. then we got a book and just go through it sometimes without playing the game. we got the 2000’s version to play with family when we were on vacation and it was sort of fun. but then WE didn’t know the answers!! only the kids did hahaha!!
i used to watch some makeup videos on you tube and now i forget the MUA’s name! i was obsessed…she is british, and i follow her on instagram…ugh…
not that i do much with makeup, it still scares me, and i can never quite get it to look like i don’t have any on, which is the way i prefer to look. (that doesn’t make sense!!) but i appreciate the artistry of it.
oh! i love that you play an instrument. i spent a decade of my “childhood” playing piano, and i was very good at it. i’ve thought about trying to take it up again, but there are quite a few barriers to that. a piano is a significant commitment!
haha… i just laughed at your statement about open houses. i always feel so awkward in other people’s houses, amongst their things. i have only been to one estate sale when we lived in austin and i was quite freaked out by it. i can watch stuff like that on tv all the time (used to be obsessed with the tiny house shows), but irl, i have a hard time. the idea of it intrigues me though, and i would love to find treasures at estate sales/garage sales…
I play fetch with my little dog daily (he insists!). Take hikes with both dogs for exercise.
My husband and I play actual card games like Gin Rummy, a fun dice game called Farkle, board game fav is Parcheesi. We play these most nights. Most of our friends also like playing games.
When I am with my dear sister we play Scrabble non-stop.
I read to relax. I knit to relax (have some yarn coming this week to start a new sweater). I scrapbook (using Photoshop) to satisfy creative urges.
Don’t feel guilty about doing things I like…ever. Life is too short.
I’ll look some up for you. I can never remember the names.
My 19-yr old daughter and I LOVE the campiness of Midsomer Murders! We even have tea and “biscuits” while we watch it!
I love these 5 question posts! I enjoy reading everyone’s responses.
1. I’m more of a serious person but I do have a quick slightly sarcastic sense of humor. I do think it depends who you talk to. Some people probably think I’m funny while others don’t get my humor at all.
2. I’ve never enjoyed playing games much except for maybe Monopoly, Scrabble or certain card games. Video or tech games have never held any interest for me. I’m very playful with my cat Sugar every day.
3. I like to read, write and take photos. I was a tennis player for many years, not so much recently. My favorite way to socialize with others is over a meal. I think reading and writing are playing when it involves your imagination.
4. I like playful objects, design and art. I have a leather handbag with googly eyes that I love. I’m also a sucker for Tokidoki, harajuku, pop art and manga art. My office accessories are definitely playful and/or colorful (notebooks, clips) and can spend hours shopping for kawaii (cute) organization or work/desk items from Japan or Korea. I don’t think I dress in a fun way but my clothes reflect interesting shapes/movement more than necessarily being the best presentation of my figure (I find the shape/form of the clothes more interesting than how skinny/hourglass I look in the clothes – that said, I am cognizant of fitting my shoulders properly, showing wrist/calves/ankles and what shoe I wear to get a good proportional offset to the oversized pieces I wear but my friends who think everyone should dress form fitting/flirty/skinny/sexy than I do would not get my clothing at all).
5. Hmmm, there are a ton of things I do for “pleasure” but you asked about the specifically guilty inducing. I would say eating mixed Island Popper popcorn (cheese/caramel/furikake butter mixed together – addictive!), drinking Shochu (unnecessary sugar intake but so refreshing), browsing Pictionary and reading posts in travel fashion/packing FB pages (Travel Fashion Girl/Her Packing List).
Sorry just getting back to the reply….. I would encourage you to take it up again despite the reservations. The violin was a major undertaking and one of the more expensive and hard to learn instruments. Get yourself a small electronic keyboard and find a young, fun instructor. Lessons are around $20 in my area. Who knows where it will lead? You would be a total rock star at parties if you sat down and played a few songs. Even simple songs are impressive to listeners. My friends indulge my playing all the time and you don’t have to be perfect, just free with your playing. GO FOR IT! It has changed my life for the positive in so many ways!
Love that you play that game with your cat, I do something similar with my dog…I’m sure we would look crazy to anyone watching, but it is one of the few times I actually feel like I am playing in the truest sense of the word.