Ah, “Truth or Dare”. The subject of nostalgia for many. The game conjures thoughts of awkward first kisses and even more awkward confessions among childhood friends.
Today, however, we aren’t talking about your innocent, giggle-inducing ‘Truth or Dare’. No, we are talking a full-grown, long-legged, no holding back Truth or Dare game.
I can see the possibilities dancing in your head. Visions of your topless partner shimming in the sexiest dance she can muster. Your close friend blushing heavily has they reveal their most raunchy fantasy.
Depending on the comfort zone of the players, and how many people are playing to begin with, the game can spiral into the right kind of chaos immediately.
But wait one second!
Before you break out the beers, and dive in head-first, a couple housekeeping rules are in order. After all, we want a nice, clean game – or at least one where everyone has consented before it gets dirty.
So set aside those invitations for your partner, your fellow players, or whoever the hell it is you want to play with, and get these three rules sorted out.
Who are you comfortable playing with?
This may seem like an obvious question – after all why would you play with those you aren’t comfortable with, right? – but give it serious thought. Are you primarily interested in playing ‘Truth or Dare’ with your partner? Is your angle to get to know another couple more intimately? Or are you just looking for a good time with the kind of folk that appreciate the all-in-good-fun vulnerability that Truth-or-Dare inspires?
It’s important to have a clear answer to this question. You don’t want to be halfway into French kissing your good friend’s husband only to find out they weren’t as into the possibility of game-induced swinging as you were.
What dares, if any, are off limits?
Knowing limits and boundaries are key. The dares that your group – whether that be you and your significant other, or a living room full of people – label “Hell no!”
Let’s assume for our purposes that everyone is game for some sexual activity. Does that mean everything up to “heavy petting” is involved? Does that mean that fringe sexual activities – like anal rimming – are dares that must be accepted? How will the game progress if (more likely when) someone is given a dare that they refuse to accept?
Consent is important, especially, in a game setting like this.
Making a quick list of group-made rules before the game starts will keep the game flowing smoothly while also being mindful of everyone’s hard and soft limits.
Do truths have to be told?
Just as with dares, some truths can expose serious vulnerabilities that might make others feel uncomfortable or even insulted. Likewise, giving someone a “truth” challenge that intentionally reveals sensitive information like identification or legal information can be damaging to the games playful vibe.
Some versions of ‘Truth or Dare’ offer a way out: take a drink, run a lap, and so on. If your game of Truth or Dare jumps immediately into the “deep, dark secret” territory, having a way for people to save face might be a good idea.
Truth or Dare can be a fun way to get to know what turns your partner (or partners) on. Don’t take the game too seriously (we don’t want to be hazing each other, after all). As long as the game has everyone either roaring with laughter or moaning in pleasure, have fun!
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