How Drinking Games Help Solidify Friendships

Adult conversations can sometimes feel somewhat monotonous, as old friends catch up on each other’s lives, asking routine questions about their families, careers, and day-to-day activities. However, many drinking games encourage both new and long-time friends to share unique or private information about themselves.

Popular drinking games include beer pong, where players must toss a ping-pong ball into a beer-filled cup (or drink one if they miss), “Never Have I Ever,” where players confess to things they have done, and “Kings,” a game where players take turns drawing cards and drinking based on each card’s instructions.

Loosening Inhibitions

Do you remember how easy it was to make friends when you were little?

Adults sometimes find it hard to make new friends because they get caught up in the seriousness of life. Children simply play with other kids who will join them in a fun activity, regardless of what it is. Social drinking , particularly when combined with drinking games, promotes similar behaviour, encouraging uptight adults to loosen up and ease their defences. They may feel compelled to befriend someone they wouldn’t in another social situation, or simply enjoy the company of old friends in a new way.

Old friends who find it challenging to move past superficial conversations before a lively drinking game may feel more relaxed and begin opening up about deeper issues. While it may seem paradoxical, a light-hearted game might create space to broach heavy subjects; sometimes people don’t feel comfortable sharing intimate stories during a regular meet-up. After a few rounds of beer-pong, however, friends may feel comfortable talking about nearly anything under the sun (although they may want to step into another room to do it).

Important Considerations for Drinking Games

Of course, it is easy to get carried away playing drinking games, particularly with a group of close friends. Some games encourage participants to chug their alcohol rather than sip it, while others direct players to consume far more of it than they might in a normal outing. Moderation is key to ensuring the games stay fun and everyone stays safe.

Additionally, some friends may not feel comfortable sharing intimate details of their lives in front of other people. Discuss what kind of questions will be asked before the game begins and set some ground rules. Every friend group is different, and some participants might have no issue broaching sensitive matters. If anyone does, stick to physical games that avoid the situation entirely (there are several to choose from, including flip cup, beer pong, and quarters).

Friends should also ensure everyone has a safe ride home. If they play drinking games at someone’s home, a sleepover might be one of the best ways to ensure participants stay safe. It is also a way to save on cab fare. Alternatively, friends can share taxis or ride-hailing services home to reduce costs.

Ways Drinking Games Deepen Friendships

1. Combats boredom: Forget a lull in conversation; there’s never a dull moment when you fire up a fast-paced drinking game, such as beer pong or flip cup.
2. Easy icebreaker: People may find it awkward to loosen up in some social situations, even with friends they’ve known for many years. A fun game is an easy way to get people comfortable, particularly if it’s their first time hanging out.
3. New inside jokes: Close friendships seem to have a secret language involving memories only they share. Drinking games can foster new inside jokes based on answers to questions or hilarious incidents that happen during them.
4. Encourages play: Games encourage people to get goofy, say outlandish things, and typically behave and speak in ways they don’t in everyday life. Sharing silly moments with friends helps deepen relationships and see them in a new light.
5. Cooperation: Some drinking games involve complex rules or teams. Players can help each other learn the rules and stick to them, as well as find ways to beat their opponents.
6. Friendly competition: While there’s such a thing as unhealthy competition, a little bit of light-hearted rivalry can deepen an old friendship, particularly over a couple of drinks. Friends may playfully tease each other over wins and losses, but they don’t let it create tension or harm the bond they share.
7. Laughter therapy: Most people would find it impossible to get through a drinking game without at least a few chuckles. Typically, players laugh hysterically throughout these games, particularly if they involve disclosing secrets or tossing ping-pong balls  and missing.
8. Trust: Friends who open up during drinking games must feel safe when they share intimate details. Reassuring your friends that you will honour their personal information by keeping it confidential is a great way to become closer and deepen your relationship.
9. Novelty: New and fascinating drinking games continue to be invented. Friends can learn a new game (or several) when they arrange get-togethers that involve them. They may also wish to create their own games, which is a great way to spark creative bonding.
10. Themed game night: Drinking games for holidays or special occasions encourage players to wear festive clothes and accessories. For example, you could host a casino night, get everyone to dress to the nines for it, and even introduce online casino games into the mix to make things even more interesting. For ideas, read this comprehensive compilation