Games.

Let’s play a game. Just a little friendly competition. Maybe Sorry or Farkle or Five Crowns? Not your cup of tea? How about Monopoly or Apples to Apples or Risk… maybe Capture the Flag or Red Rover? I personally love games… well the majority that is. I’m sure there are some out there that are clearly not worth my while.

But… I have a competitive streak. A very competitive streak. Nothing can or will frustrate me more than losing time and time again. A family favorite can turn into the game I despise in the drop of hat if I can’t win. (Cough, cough… Apples to Apples on Thanksgiving). Some call this a “poor sport”, but we’re not in second grade again and you can’t pull my hair so maybe we should call it what it really is… Ambition without the streak of stupidity. If you’re not winning, it’s time to get out. Right? Good business sense. When you’re down in poker maybe you should fold and save your cash for a better day. So why is it so wrong that all I want to do is win.

I’m not a gracious winner either. If I win, I’ll let you know. “See that, see that right there? That’s what some call me winning. Yeah, I’m the winner. How does it feel to sit next to such a great _____________ (fill in blank with game name, i.e. Monopoly, poker, etc.) player?”. Well you get the picture. Just as I’m not a gracious winner, I’m also not a gracious loser. The first few rounds I’ll assume it was a fluke, the universe wouldn’t let me continually lose, right? Right? I can joke about it… insert awkward giggle… build myself up. After a few hands, rounds, or the moment I don’t dominate Park Place and the Boardwalk my frustration builds to an almost intolerable level. I get quiet, irritated and am no longer having fun. I know, I should lighten up. But well, when I’m losing, I can’t.

So this here is a warning to all of you out there that are thinking of playing a game with me. If I don’t know you… I’ll probably be polite the first few times. Appear to let it go, but after that I’ll toss caution into the wind and cause a rucus about six points early on in the game. Consider yourself warned. I’ll work on building up my “grace”, but if it’s anything like my klutziness we’re in for a long battle.