Azeezat Olatunde: How Card Games Positively Transform Relationships.

Couples walk down the aisle hand in hand with the brightest smiles; their fingers are intertwined in the powerful exchange between love, trust and commitment. But after a few months, years, or even less, the house becomes engulfed in heated arguments and faces contort with less affection. This is one of the sad stories of divorced couples around the world. I wonder why a journey that starts off sweetly turns sour in the blink of an eye.

According to a questionnaire According to Your Tango, poor communication contributes to 65% of divorces between couples. As is evident in many conversations, poor communication has a ripple effect on all relationships. It is known to be the root of financial problems, lack of empathy, resentment, diminished intimacy, neglect, conflict, and loneliness.

The negative impact of poor communication goes beyond marriage; It also affects other relationships, especially between parents and children. Many African parents tend to adopt an authoritarian parenting style, which can hinder developing a genuine bond with their children.

Effective communication is essential to nurturing bonds in all relationships. Certain topics, such as sex education between parents and children or discussions about intimacy and finances between couples, are often avoided out of shyness or discomfort. Therefore, it is important to become more comfortable discussing these seemingly difficult topics.

To solve this, relationship card decks facilitate healthy, thriving relationships by helping people talk about complex topics. These are collections of card decks with communication prompts and predetermined questions designed to deepen conversations and encourage the exchange of emotions that increase empathy in relationships.

How Do Relationship Cards Work?

To get started, choose a deck of cards that suits both you and your partner. Then create the right atmosphere by putting your devices aside and dedicating your time and emotions to this event. When both are ready, shuffle the cards, draw one and read the question or question out loud. Your partner must then respond honestly or complete the action of the prompt. Take turns selecting cards to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate.

For example, in the Talking Point deck for couples, one question reads: “What makes you happy and sad as a parent and spouse?” This question encourages deeper emotional exploration beyond typical conversations at home, encourages vulnerability, and helps each partner understand what truly impacts the other’s happiness and sadness.

“Playing cards exposed us to things we don’t pay much attention to and often consider unimportant,” explained Maryam, smiling as she recalled the impact of playing the card game with her husband. “One card question says: Where do you see yourself in ten years? It led us to discuss our future, our financial situation, and the steps we would take to achieve our dreams. “It is a very useful guide and is highly recommended for couples,” he added.

Medical doctor Dr Ameenah also shared how the cards came to be. I helped my husband discuss seemingly difficult conversations. Even though your husband is your best friend, there are some conversations you’ll naturally avoid because you don’t want to hurt his feelings or appear pushy, she said. The cards made it easier to discuss these conversations.

Dr. Many couples and families, like Ameenah and Maryam, are discovering the value of communication prompts found in relationship card games. These games are not just for entertainment; They provide a safe space to discuss difficult topics and express emotions that often go unspoken. Incorporating a deck of relationship cards into a couple’s or family’s routine can be extremely beneficial. For example, families can put away their devices on the weekends to focus on spending quality time together to encourage real connections and open conversations. It is an approach that reduces tension and encourages communication in a non-threatening way that builds empathy between family members.

Relationship Card Games and Marriage Counseling

Bushroh Okeowo Bombata, a marriage counselor and family physician, explained that these relationship cards are not a replacement for the need for marriage counseling, but can help resolve minor conflicts, uncover hidden emotions, and resolve feelings of resentment.

He emphasized that these cards help partners reconnect with each other by allowing them to gain insight into each other’s feelings, goals and desires. Most importantly, it facilitates discussions about intimacy and ensures that the interests of both partners are aligned.

When asked about cards for parenting, she noted that special card decks designed for parents help them understand their children’s emotions and struggles. These cards encourage active listening, empathy, and quality time with family; all of which are essential to building confidence and communication skills by ensuring children feel seen and included.

Bombata urged couples and parents to approach the directions and questions on the cards with honesty and openness to encourage healthy communication and strengthen their relationships. Essentially, intentionality is the key to the effectiveness of these cards. It is also very important to choose age-appropriate card decks to encourage children’s uninterrupted conversation. Couples can choose decks of cards that address the topics they want to explore for maximum benefit.

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Feature Image by Kevin Malik for Pexels