Fun with Friends

The fun factor ramps up considerably when the pile of chips in front of one is growing. Enjoying friends, while comprising an unconditional element, is a highly relative experience. Gloating during games of chance can transform the most attractive comrade into a hideous monstrosity.
Among friends we rely on the freedom to lower our guards; be ourselves; risk the occasional misfires of acerbic enthusiasm. And so we hold the bitterness of loss in check, subdue the celebrations of our stunning victory, and pretend to be okay straddling the middle ground.
But among friends there is no hiding the moping or the grins. Nor should there be. The highs and lows of competitive play are the perfect complement to this wonderful foundation of acceptance.