What a Card Game Taught Me About Human Connection
Welcome to the New Year — 2026. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write to kick things off, but then it hit me a few mornings ago. I want to keep building on last week’s theme of baby-step progress — but take it one step further and talk about baby step connection.
People far smarter than me have studied human connection and landed on a simple, powerful truth: As humans, we are social beings, physiologically wired for connection with one another.
Translation (no PhD required):
Our biology expects proximity and belonging
Our brains are optimized for relationship, not isolation
Our survival, identity, and culture depend on interdependence
In other words, the default assumption of the human nervous system is:
“I feel better when there are other humans around so let’s go find some.”
Safe, authentic connection is a core human need — right up there with sleep, food and safety. (Yes, even for introverts. Sorry.)
So let’s illustrate how valuable this can be with a little personal story from my Christmas holiday with family last month. 11 humans under one roof. People milling about. Talking. Eating. Opening gifts. Taking naps. Drinking. More naps. Rinse and repeat.
All that togetherness… and yet, the real connection didn’t happen until we pulled out the Cards Against Humanity game. Yes, that game. We went there and here’s where it gets interesting.
Three generations played:
My nieces and their boyfriends in their 20s
My sister, my husband, and me in our 50s
My parents in their 80s
We laughed at the absurdly inappropriate, raunchy cards (you know what I mean). Teased each other when someone won with an “I cannot believe you played that” card. And then — the real magic.
My 89-year-old father — who doesn’t say much these days — played. Yes, you heard that right. He’s 89. Not only did he win four rounds (still not over it), but when it was his turn to read the cards aloud, he decided — completely unprompted — to do so in different English accents.
He came up with this idea on his own.
The rest of us were doubled over — crying laughing. I felt this deep, wholehearted joy and true connection with everyone playing the game.
It was unscripted. Unexpected. Completely human. And honestly? Darn near magical. That moment will stay with me for years — not because it was planned, but because it was shared.
So, as we step into 2026, here are a few baby step ways we can all spark more of those connection moments — no english accents required (unless you’re into that).
🎯 EASY MODE: Share the Little Victories
When something goes right — even something small — don’t keep it to yourself.
Tell a friend. A colleague. A loved one.
Ask for a high-five. A toast. A bell-ring. A happy dance. Your call.
Small wins suddenly feel Oscar-worthy when they’re witnessed.
✨ MEDIUM MODE: Be Genuinely Curious (Not Performative)
Skip the autopilot “How’s work?” with your spouse, friends, or coworkers.
Try something with an actual pulse:
“What’s a tiny thing that made your day better this week?”
“What’s something you’re quietly proud of right now?”
People open up when someone cares enough to ask real questions. And they remember who made them feel seen. They might even pass it on. (Connection ripple effect unlocked.)
💡THOUGHT-PROVOKING HARD: Family Trips Down Memory Lane
For deeper connection — and a beautiful way to honor loved ones:
Story Circle: Share favorite stories or lessons using a meaningful object as a “talking piece.”
Story Jar: Write memories on slips of paper, toss them in a jar, and pull them out during holidays or anniversaries.
Story Photos: Spread out old photos and let each person tell the story behind one. Bonus points if it becomes a scrapbook or slideshow.
Shared memories with story don’t just keep the past alive — they knit us closer together in the present. And that’s real human connection.
Mic Drop:
Baby steps. Let’s try to create more moments of real connection — messy, funny, unscripted ones. Because humans don’t thrive alone. We thrive together, even while laughing way too hard at something inappropriate. Here’s to more of that in 2026.
