WNRS: My Holy Grail Party Game

The only game you need to cultivate meaningful friendships. 

By Angelica Marin 

Graphic by Melissa Lemieux

I’m not really one of those people who believe in a life’s purpose, but if I had to pick one, it would be crafting meaningful relationships. I have always thought that we are defined by the people we love, the people who influence us in a myriad of ways, from shaping our values to picking up on their mannerisms. 

Usually, friendships naturally deepen over time, but there is nothing wrong with wanting to expedite that process. There are so many ways to approach this, maybe by going on a coffee date or having a late-night conversation, but my personal favorite is a card game. 

We’re Not Really Strangers (WNRS) is a brand most well-known on Instagram for its relatable, motivational posts, with messages like “Whatever you’re feeling is alright. Let yourself feel it. Things will get better.” The core of the brand, however, is the game. A conversational card game with three different levels of questions and various dares and tasks, WNRS is meant to be played between two people to enhance an existing relationship. 

I prefer, however, to play it in a group. Imagine that you’re in a room with a few people you know relatively well, but would like to get to know much better. This game is the perfect tool to bring that vision to life. It gets people talking, cracks open their shells, and also allows you to learn a lot more about the people you are surrounded by. 

Being at such a large university, we are constantly making new connections, very few of which end up panning out in the long term. If you’re craving a more enriched relationship with the people around you, this is a great place to start. However, I can’t promise that everyone will be equally as receptive to this game because much of its success comes from playing with emotionally mature and open people. At the same time, these questions aim to foster the kind of openness such people have, which so many others struggle with. 

This game is perfect to play with a group of friends because you’re prompted with a wide range of questions, spanning from “Do I seem more like a coffee or tea person?” to “Are you lying to yourself about anything right now?” 

You and everyone else playing obviously have the choice to remain closed off, but the beauty of the game is that it creates a nurturing and non-judgmental atmosphere that very few can resist. You would be surprised how much you can get out of someone by asking them straight-up. 

I can’t guarantee how the game will go, whose feelings may be hurt, or what confessions will be made, but I can guarantee that no matter what, you will leave the game feeling far more tethered to the people you play with.

We are at a point in our lives where the people we meet can define how the next chapter plays out, so take this opportunity to make those relationships count.