May 4

May 4 Card Game Review: We're Really Not Strangers By Tianna Andrea Feat. Brandon Porter

From the evaluation of your experiences, values, ego, and traumas you can get to the root of all things. When we realize that we are a lot more similar than we are different, it opens up the possibilities to connect authentically. But you must have a grasp of who you are, to have a core understanding of self.

I believe in having difficult, but mindful conversations. I also think it’s important to get to know yourself more, through the art of relationships and dynamics.

Although at times it can be difficult to share intimate details or to be vulnerable, it’s important to remain open and teachable.

So I ask,

What if the real reason you’re afraid of success is your fear of failure?

The thought may seem far fetched but that doesn’t dismiss the possibility. Since it is something you probably never pondered over, until you pulled the card that asked the question.:

“ What are you more afraid of Failure or Success and why? “

Last year I stumbled upon the card game, ‘ We’re Really Not Strangers’. During a seven hour drive to Atlanta, Georgia while in the beginning stages of exclusively dating. Brandon and I passed the time by referencing these questions to tap into each other more deeply.

We had been dating for about three months, let’s just say I was shocked at a few of his responses. But they confirmed for me what I needed to know to continue forwards in building and advocating for the relationship.

As time passed, things have continued to blossom between us. Perhaps it was the game that allowed me to see the joy I felt that I wanted to dismiss ( yes, that’s what you call self sabotage). I acknowledged my fear of exploring commitment with someone new, was something I clung to unnecessarily.

Fast forward to us today we have curated ways of checking-in, whether it be playful it’s done in an intentional way. This in my opinion is a recipe for healthy communicative dynamics.

We continue to decide to pick each other everyday, knowing that relationships are about free will and not ownership. We listen to each other intently and have the most intriguing discussions on a multitude of subjects (like social norms, gender roles, identity, and race).

(I blame the card game for eliciting a never ending pastime of Q&A with my man)

No conversation or view goes unaddressed because we’re both firm on the belief of “speaking your truth”, especially on deal breakers if and when they arise.

What brings me great pleasure is the understanding that we’re in this thing we call ‘a relationship’ together. We choose to be conscientious of our communication and so far there isn’t a concern we can’t talk through together. It’s always important to “Dig Deeper” when it comes to having a clear understanding of who you are while acknowledging the relationships’ wants, needs, and expectations.