Never Have I Ever

Most folks enjoy a good parlor game. These indoor group games were particularly popular in the Victorian era when houses had parlors and electronic devices were unforeseen. We may not have designated parlors today but group games are still popular as ice-breakers and easy entertainment. Charades, I Spy, Fishbowl and Three Truths and a Lie are a few old favorites. Never Have I Ever is also on the list. The challenge is to be the person with the most unique Never Have I Evers.

Here are a few from my list.

Never Have I Ever....

1) Finished a Monopoly game. Great fanfare and high hopes begin most Monopoly games. Money has to be organized, tokens have to be selected, cards have to be sorted and strategies must be pondered. Is it better to snap up the cheap properties and become a slum lord or throw all your eggs into the high end property baskets? Houses, motels, utilities, railroads and Chance cards add to the twists in the game. Needless to say, it doesn't take long for some players to become disgruntled and tempers can flare. I do not have the temperament for the investment of time and dealings involved in this game so I have never seen the finish line. Old Maid is more my style.

2) Slept in a tent. I lack the gene that would lure me into this outdoor activity. The nearest I have come to "roughing it" was spending a night in a sleeper cabin at a nearby state park. It was wretched. The cabin was adequate in that it was a roof over one's head but it had a claustrophobic feel to it. Schlepping to the community bathroom/shower was shudder inducing and the continuous milling around of people made me want to hide. I will stick with less involved get-aways that include private bathrooms and linens.

3) Read a Harry Potter book. Fantasy books never land on my to-be-read pile. I have no doubt the series is well-written and entertaining, hence the multi-million dollar book sales and merch. I prefer memoirs, mysteries and non-fiction. Truth can often be stranger than fiction.

4) Taken a ride on a roller coaster. Just the thought has me gagging. As one who is prone to motion sickness, I feel it is best to stay off most carnival transportation. Carousels, Twirling Tea Cups and Ferris Wheels are also on the avoidance list. Yes, it is true. I live a dull life.

5) Played Pickle Ball. The hottest sport for "active" senior citizens is pickle ball. Truthfully, I know very little about it. What I do know is that I am extremely uncoordinated and I am afraid of competitive people. Sure, they can coax you in with their promise of "We just play for fun," but I know better. If there is a ball, a net and a racket, there is more than fun at stake. I will enjoy solitary birding instead. Birds don't judge.

I do not think I can win with my list of Never Have I Evers but it beats a game of Pictionary. The only thing worse than my poor coordination is my drawing ability. Sketching stick figures and squiggles are all you are going to get from me. Woe be to my team.