Esther Perel, renowned psychotherapist and storyteller, believes in the power of sharing untold stories to build bridges between people. This philosophy is at the heart of Where Should We Begin Game, a unique experience designed to spark conversations and foster deeper connections. Whether you’re playing with a partner, close friends, or on a date, this game offers an adventure into the world of personal narratives and surprising self-discoveries. As your guide to Where Should We Begin Game , let’s explore how to set up and play this engaging storytelling game, ensuring a memorable and insightful experience for everyone involved.
Game Objective: More Than Winning
Forget about competition; Where Should We Begin Game is all about collaboration. There are no winners or losers here. The shared intention is to create a space where storytelling flourishes, allowing players to connect on a more profound level. It’s about embracing vulnerability and curiosity, not about strategizing for victory.
Game Setup: Getting Ready to Share
To begin your storytelling journey with Where Should We Begin Game, first unpack both decks of cards. Mix them thoroughly to ensure a diverse range of prompts for your game session.
For a “Safe For Work” game experience, it’s recommended to remove Story Cards marked with a pink square in the bottom right corner. These cards are designed for more intimate settings and might not be suitable for all groups or environments.
Deal seven cards to each player, allowing everyone to privately review their hand. The remaining cards form the draw pile, placed centrally on the table for easy access throughout the game.
Gameplay: Step-by-Step Guide
The game unfolds through a series of storytelling rounds, guided by dice rolls and card prompts. Here’s how to play Where Should We Begin Game:
Step 1: The First Storyteller
Decide who will be the first Storyteller. Often, the first story shared sets the tone for the entire game, so someone who feels ready to open up can take the lead. The first Storyteller rolls the dice and reads the prompt aloud. This dice prompt will be the lens through which stories are told in this round.
Step 2: Submitting Cards
With the dice prompt in mind, every player, including the Storyteller, secretly selects a card from their hand that they would like the Storyteller to answer. These chosen cards are submitted face down to the Storyteller.
Step 3: Choosing a Card and Sharing
The Storyteller shuffles the submitted cards and reads each one aloud before placing them face up on the table for everyone to see.
From these prompts, the Storyteller chooses one card to answer and then shares a story inspired by that card and the initial dice prompt. This is the heart of Where Should We Begin Game – the moment of personal sharing and connection.
Step 4: Continuing the Story
After the Storyteller has shared their story, all the cards used in that round are discarded back into the box. Each player, including the Storyteller, draws one new card from the draw pile to replenish their hand back to seven cards. The role of Storyteller then passes to the player on the left, and the new Storyteller rolls the dice to begin the next round.
Step 5: Ending the Game
Continue playing Where Should We Begin Game until you and your fellow players feel satisfied with the stories shared and the connections made. The game naturally concludes when the group feels they have explored enough narratives for one session.
Esther Perel’s Tips for a Deeper Game Experience
To enhance your experience with Where Should We Begin Game, consider these tips from Esther Perel herself, designed to create a more immersive and meaningful storytelling environment:
Set the Atmosphere
Creating the right ambiance can significantly enhance the storytelling experience. Treat the game like a special ritual. Dim the lights, play soft music, and ensure your space is clear and comfortable. A thoughtfully set environment encourages openness and deeper sharing.
Practice Active Listening
During Where Should We Begin Game, the stories shared might touch on sensitive or rarely discussed moments. Practice deliberate listening, focusing on curiosity rather than immediately offering advice or judgment. Show genuine engagement by asking follow-up questions to encourage the Storyteller to elaborate and feel heard.
Define Intentions
Before starting Where Should We Begin Game, consider setting an intention as a group. For example, you might aim to surprise each other with unknown stories or to uncover hidden secrets. Periodically check in with each other to see if your intentions are being met and reflect on the experience at the end of the game.
Speak Personally
Stories resonate more powerfully when told from a personal perspective. Encourage players to speak from their own experiences, using “I” statements rather than generalizations. Keeping the narrative personal makes the stories more impactful and relatable.
Keep Stories Concise
Where Should We Begin Game is designed to facilitate the sharing of many stories. Encourage Storytellers to keep their tales to a few minutes at most. This ensures that everyone has a chance to share and that the game remains dynamic and engaging.
Where Should We Begin Game, created by Esther Perel, offers a unique pathway to connect with others through the art of storytelling. By following these instructions and tips, you can unlock meaningful conversations and surprising discoveries within your relationships.
For more about Esther Perel and her work, visit estherperel.com or follow her on social media @estherperelofficial.
Special thanks to Zac Hill, Elan Lee, Rogerio Lionzo, Nick Oxenhorn, Mary Alice Miller, Courtney Hamilton, Sara Kramer, Amanda Panneton, Jennifer Marler, Vika Viktoria, Adam Saul, Noam Saul, and Jack Saul for their contributions.
