we’re not really strangers instructions
Were Not Really Strangers⁚ A Guide to Deeper Connections
Were Not Really Strangers is a card game designed to deepen connections between two players through thoughtful questions and prompted conversations. This game encourages vulnerability and openness, making it a unique way to strengthen your bond. Perfect for couples, friends, or even strangers, Were Not Really Strangers is a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships.
Introduction
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from those around us. We’re constantly bombarded with information, and it can be difficult to find the time and space to truly connect with others. Were Not Really Strangers is a card game designed to help you break down those barriers and forge deeper, more meaningful relationships. The game is based on the idea that by asking each other thoughtful and sometimes challenging questions, we can learn more about ourselves and each other, leading to a greater understanding and connection.
Were Not Really Strangers is more than just a game; it’s a movement. The creators believe that by encouraging open and honest communication, we can create a more compassionate and connected world. The game has gained immense popularity, with millions of people playing it and sharing their experiences online. Whether you’re looking to deepen your existing relationships or build new ones, Were Not Really Strangers is a powerful tool for fostering connection and growth.
What is Were Not Really Strangers?
Were Not Really Strangers is a card game that encourages meaningful conversation and deeper connections between players. It’s more than just a deck of questions; it’s a movement that emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and open communication. The game features three levels of questions, each designed to delve deeper into various aspects of a relationship, from initial perceptions to personal values and reflections.
The game’s creators, Koreen Odiney and her team, have designed Were Not Really Strangers to be a tool for building genuine connections. The cards prompt players to ask each other questions they might not otherwise consider, leading to insightful conversations and shared experiences. The game’s popularity has grown exponentially, with its user-friendly format and thought-provoking questions resonating with people from all walks of life. Whether you’re playing with a partner, friends, or even strangers, Were Not Really Strangers offers a unique and engaging way to foster genuine connections and create lasting memories.
The Game’s Purpose
Were Not Really Strangers is designed to empower meaningful connections by encouraging players to engage in deep, insightful conversations. The game’s purpose extends beyond mere entertainment, aiming to foster vulnerability, empathy, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others. It challenges players to move beyond superficial interactions, prompting them to ask questions they might hesitate to ask in everyday life.
By delving into personal experiences, beliefs, and values, players gain a more profound understanding of their own perspectives and those of their partners. The game creates a safe space for sharing, listening, and connecting on a genuine level. The ultimate goal is to foster stronger, more meaningful relationships, whether it’s between romantic partners, friends, or even strangers seeking to build connections. It’s a reminder that true connection comes from vulnerability, open communication, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Levels of Questions
Were Not Really Strangers features three distinct levels of questions, each designed to progressively deepen the conversation and uncover more intimate layers of understanding. The game encourages players to gradually move through these levels, building a foundation of trust and comfort before diving into more personal topics.
Each level offers a unique approach to exploring relationships⁚
- Level 1⁚ Perception ⏤ This level focuses on first impressions and how players perceive each other. It encourages lighthearted questions that spark curiosity and provide insights into initial perceptions.
- Level 2⁚ Connection ─ This level delves deeper, prompting players to ask questions about their values, beliefs, and personal experiences. It encourages meaningful dialogue and fosters a sense of connection.
- Level 3⁚ Reflection ─ This final level prompts reflection on the game experience and encourages players to share their takeaways, insights, and feelings. It allows for a deeper understanding of the relationship and provides an opportunity for personal growth.
This structured progression allows for a gradual and comfortable exploration of the relationship, ensuring that players feel safe and supported as they navigate increasingly personal conversations.
Level 1⁚ Perception
The first level of Were Not Really Strangers, Perception, sets the stage for a playful and insightful exploration of initial impressions. This level focuses on how you and your partner perceive each other based on first encounters and initial observations. The questions in this level are designed to be lighthearted and engaging, prompting playful exchanges and encouraging a relaxed atmosphere.
Here are some examples of Level 1 questions⁚
- What is the first thing you noticed about me?
- What do you think I do for a living?
- If I were an animal, what animal would I be?
By answering these questions, you begin to understand how your partner perceives you and how your own perceptions might align or diverge. Level 1 encourages you to step outside of your own assumptions and gain a fresh perspective on the person you are interacting with.
Level 2⁚ Connection
Level 2, Connection, dives deeper into the heart of your relationship. The questions in this level are designed to elicit thoughtful responses that reveal personal values, beliefs, and experiences. They encourage vulnerability and invite you to share your authentic self with your partner, building a stronger foundation of understanding and empathy.
Here are some examples of Level 2 questions⁚
- What is something you are passionate about?
- What is a life lesson you have learned?
- What is something you are afraid of?
By engaging with these questions, you and your partner create a space for open dialogue and shared vulnerability, fostering a deeper connection built on mutual understanding and respect. Level 2 allows you to connect with your partner on a more meaningful level, exploring shared values and experiences.
Level 3⁚ Reflection
Level 3, Reflection, encourages introspection and allows you to process the insights and emotions that surfaced throughout the game. It provides a space for both players to reflect on their experiences, share their thoughts and feelings, and deepen their understanding of each other. The questions in this level are designed to spark meaningful conversations and encourage self-awareness.
Here are some examples of Level 3 questions⁚
- What surprised you the most about this game?
- How did you feel playing this game with your partner?
- What did you learn about yourself during this game?
Level 3 offers a unique opportunity to solidify the connections established in the previous levels and to foster personal growth. It allows you to reflect on your own journey and how the game has impacted your relationship with your partner.
Gameplay Mechanics
Were Not Really Strangers features several gameplay mechanics that enhance the experience and encourage deeper connections. These mechanics add a layer of spontaneity and encourage a more open and vulnerable approach to the questions.
The game utilizes a combination of standard question cards and special cards to create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. Dig Deeper cards are used to encourage transparency and vulnerability, while wildcards introduce unexpected elements and challenges.
Wildcards can include prompts like drawing a picture together, performing an action, or making an assumption about your partner. They add a playful element to the game and can spark unique and memorable moments. The game also includes a Final Card that serves as a concluding activity, encouraging players to reflect on their experience and express their feelings.
Dig Deeper Cards
Dig Deeper cards are a unique feature of Were Not Really Strangers, designed to encourage deeper conversations and greater vulnerability between players. Each player receives a Dig Deeper card at the start of the game, which they can use once per level. These cards are meant to be used strategically, allowing players to delve deeper into a topic or encourage their partner to be more open.
The Dig Deeper cards are intended to be used when a player feels their partner is holding back or not fully engaging with a question. By playing a Dig Deeper card, a player can prompt their partner to share more, explore their feelings, or provide a more detailed answer. This mechanic helps to break down barriers and create a more intimate and meaningful experience.
The use of Dig Deeper cards promotes a sense of trust and encourages both players to actively participate in the process of building a deeper connection.
Wildcards
Wildcards add a touch of spontaneity and lightheartedness to the Were Not Really Strangers experience. These cards, which can appear at any point in the game, introduce unexpected challenges and prompts that break the flow of traditional questioning. Wildcards are designed to encourage laughter, break the ice, and create memorable moments;
Some wildcards require players to complete specific tasks, like maintaining eye contact for a set time, drawing a picture together, or guessing a partner’s favorite childhood TV show. Others involve creating new questions or completing prompts in unusual ways, like speaking in a different accent or making an assumption about their partner.
Wildcards add a playful element to the game, encouraging creativity and spontaneous interaction. They break down inhibitions and help players discover new aspects of themselves and their partners.
Playing with Two Players
Were Not Really Strangers is an intimate game best enjoyed with two players. The game is designed to facilitate deep conversations and self-reflection. Start by setting aside the Final Card for the end of the game. Sit facing each other with Level 1 cards face down; Take a moment to gaze deeply into each other’s eyes, a simple act that sets the stage for a deeper connection.
The first person to blink draws a card from the Level 1 deck. The other player answers the question honestly. Continue this back-and-forth, alternating between players, until at least 15 cards from Level 1 are played. Once you’ve completed Level 1, move on to Level 2, then Level 3, each offering new insights and opportunities for deeper understanding.
Remember, the goal is to engage in honest and open communication. Use this time to learn more about each other, explore your shared experiences, and discover new layers of your connection.
Playing with Multiple Players
While Were Not Really Strangers is designed for two players, it can be adapted for groups of up to six people. Gather your group in a circle and place the game in the center. Start by having each player write down their first impressions of everyone else in the group in three sentences or less on a sheet of paper. Fold these notes and exchange them anonymously. These notes will be read aloud at the end of the game, offering a glimpse into how others perceive you.
To start the game, the person who is most hesitant to play draws the first card. In Level 1, each player reads a question aloud and everyone answers. For example, if the question is “What do you think I do for a living?”, each player shares their guess. If no one guesses correctly, reveal the answer. Each player must read at least two question cards from this level and answer every question to move on to the next level.
Level 2 is played differently. With the deck face down, each player draws a card. When it’s your turn, read your question aloud and choose one player from the group to answer. You cannot choose the same player who just answered a question. Level 3 is played similar to Level 1, where everyone answers your question.
The Final Card
The Final Card is a special card that is meant to be played at the end of the game, after all three levels have been completed. This card is designed to bring a sense of closure and reflection to the experience. It invites players to write a heartfelt note to their partner, expressing their thoughts, feelings, and insights gained during the game. The notes should be folded and exchanged, and are only to be opened after the players have parted ways.
This act of writing and exchanging notes creates a tangible reminder of the connection made during the game, allowing players to process their emotions and reflect on the shared experience. The Final Card is a beautiful way to conclude the game, leaving players with a lasting impression of the meaningful conversation and deeper connection they have built together.
Beyond the Game
The impact of Were Not Really Strangers extends far beyond the game itself, creating a movement that encourages deeper connections and meaningful conversations. The game’s creators have fostered a vibrant community through their Instagram account, sharing inspiring stories, relatable experiences, and thought-provoking prompts. This online presence has become a platform for people to connect, share their experiences with the game, and find support in navigating the complexities of relationships.
Furthermore, the Were Not Really Strangers Journal provides a tangible way to continue the journey of self-discovery and reflection beyond the game. This journal features 365 pages of prompts and space for personal reflections, allowing individuals to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
The Were Not Really Strangers Movement
The Were Not Really Strangers movement extends beyond the card game, fostering a community dedicated to fostering deeper connections and meaningful conversations. The game’s creators have leveraged their Instagram account to share inspiring stories, relatable experiences, and thought-provoking prompts, creating a platform for people to connect, share their experiences with the game, and find support in navigating the complexities of relationships. This online presence has become a hub for individuals to engage in open dialogue, learn from one another, and build a sense of belonging within a community that values vulnerability and authenticity.
Through the movement, Were Not Really Strangers encourages individuals to embrace the power of conversation and to create spaces for genuine connection. The movement emphasizes the importance of open communication, active listening, and fostering a sense of empathy and understanding in our relationships.