Games can shift the dynamic of a social interaction, like when you're doing yard work or stacking boxes with someone. Tom noticed this in the hours he spent playing video games with his family. And i think board games can allow something similar in a way. It's like you kind of relax and let your guard down because you're in the mode for play. When that happens, i think it actually increases your ability to to empathize and to bond. Let's take monopoly. I can definitly tell you why monopolyis a bad game. When i even think about monopoly, i can feel the rage i carry of six year old me watching my sister obliterate all my capital.