I never played Super Smash Bros. until I came to college. When I started playing, I was always the character that everyone would leave alone until I was the only other player left. Then it turned into more of a volleyball game as I did my best to make it back to the main platform after being knocked off the screen multiple times.
Last semester I became friends with a new group of guys, and every Sunday night, they play Super Smash Bros. At first, I would just watch and cheer them on, but then I saw the comradery they shared from playing together, I made a goal to be a contributing member of the group.
I started practicing for an hour once a week. It wasn't much but little by little became better. We still played on Sundays, and each week I would inflict more damage or get the occasional kill. This last Sunday, I finally felt like I was apart of the Smash Brothers group. I felt confident dropping in on brawlers and sending them flying. I still don't get the most kills, but I do always get at least one.
Super Smash Bros. is just a game; however, I feel like it has made me closer to my friends. It is something that all of us share.
Finding common interests with anyone will build stronger relationships. Sometimes it takes a little more effort from one of the parties to continue strengthening the relationship, but the benefit is well worth it.
