Should I Exclude My Friend from Game Night Because She Hates Board Games?
AITA for excluding my friend from game night because she hates board games? Torn between hurt feelings and respecting her preferences, seeking advice.
A 27-year-old woman planned a game night like it was a whole event, complete with invites and real excitement, and then one casual friend Jenna hit like a buzzkill grenade.
Jenna has joined them for game nights before, so when she suddenly admitted she hates board games, finds them boring, and “never has fun,” it didn’t just land as personal preference. It made the OP feel disrespected, like Jenna was basically walking into a movie night and announcing she hates movies.
Now the OP is staring at the calendar, wondering if she should exclude Jenna from the next round, or if she’s being unfair about what Jenna thinks.
Original Post
So I'm (27F) and I love hosting game nights with my friends. I recently planned a game night at my place, and I invited a group of friends, including my friend Jenna.
However, a few days before the game night, we were chatting about it, and Jenna casually mentioned that she absolutely hates board games, finds them boring, and never has fun playing them. This caught me off guard because I know she's joined us for game nights before and seemed to enjoy herself.
Her comments kind of put a damper on the excitement I had for the event, as I want everyone to have a good time together. On one hand, I feel like she's being a bit disrespectful by openly expressing her dislike for something that's the main activity at my gathering.
It's like going to a movie night and saying you hate movies. On the other hand, maybe I'm overreacting, and she's entitled to her opinion, even if it's not what everyone else enjoys.
I can't help but feel a bit hurt that she doesn't want to participate in something I enjoy and put effort into organizing. The game night is coming up soon, and I can't shake off how I feel about Jenna's attitude towards board games. Help me figure this out.
So AITA?
This situation taps into a common struggle in friendships: balancing personal preferences with group dynamics. The OP's friend clearly dislikes board games, which is a valid stance, yet the OP’s desire to host a game night might push her into a corner. How do you prioritize your enjoyment without excluding someone you care about? This is a dilemma many readers can relate to, and it strikes a nerve because it reflects larger themes of inclusion and understanding within friendships.
By choosing to exclude her friend, the OP risks creating a rift based on interests rather than values. It's a nuanced issue where the fear of hurting someone conflicts with the desire to enjoy a favored pastime.
Jenna’s “I hate board games” comment didn’t come with an apology or a plan, and it immediately turned the OP’s excitement into dread.
Comment from u/Mango-Madness78
Well, Jenna should be more considerate, she knew it was a game night. But maybe she's just not into games. NTA, you're entitled to choose who comes.
Comment from u/RainbowUnicorn22
D**n, that's tough. I get why you're upset, she could've been more tactful. ESH, but communication is key.
The OP keeps comparing it to a movie night, because Jenna is showing up to the one thing the group is doing.
Comment from u/CookieCrumbles321
NTA, it's your event, and it's natural to want everyone to enjoy it. But maybe Jenna had a bad experience with board games. Give her a chance to explain herself.
Comment from u/WhisperingWillow
YTA, you're excluding her for not liking board games? People are entitled to their preferences. Maybe have a compromise, like having some non-game activities available.
Even though the OP knows Jenna is entitled to her opinion, the hurt is real because Jenna has been there before and seemed fine.
Comment from u/TacoTuesday9000
NAH, you're not wrong for being hurt, but Jenna's allowed to dislike board games. It's a tricky situation, maybe find a middle ground if you want her there.
What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments.
And once the game night gets closer, the OP has to decide if excluding Jenna will protect the vibe or just create a bigger rift.
The Community's Split Reaction
The Reddit community's reactions to this post showcase just how divisive the topic is. Some users resonate with the OP's inclination to keep game nights fun and lively, while others argue that true friendship means making accommodations for one another. The comments reveal a fundamental tension between personal enjoyment and social responsibility.
Many users might feel that inviting someone who doesn’t enjoy the activity could lead to awkwardness, yet there's also a strong argument for inclusivity. The back-and-forth in the comments highlights how friendships often require compromise, and it’s fascinating to see how different perspectives can lead to varied conclusions on what's acceptable in social settings.
The Bottom Line
This story underscores the complexities of friendships and highlights how differing interests can lead to tough decisions. Should the OP prioritize her enjoyment or her friend’s feelings? It’s a classic case of weighing personal happiness against the potential for alienation. What do you think is the right call in situations like this? Should we always strive for inclusivity, or is it okay to set boundaries based on interests?
What It Comes Down To
The dilemma faced by the original poster reveals a common tension in friendships: how to balance personal enjoyment with the feelings of others. Jenna's open dislike for board games, especially when she’s participated in the past, understandably hurt the host, who invests time and effort into organizing these events. This situation raises questions about respect for individual preferences and whether it's fair to invite someone who may not share the enthusiasm for the main activity, highlighting the fine line between inclusivity and maintaining the spirit of a gathering. Ultimately, the community's mixed reactions reflect the complexity of navigating friendships where interests diverge.
If Jenna can’t even pretend to enjoy board games, the OP’s game night might end up feeling less like fun and more like awkward damage control.
For more hosting drama, see how Reddit judged the friend uninvited over wine criticism.
