Paula McGuire - Adventures for Bored Adults: Games. Challenges. Activities. Treats.

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First published by Pop Press in 2021

Copyright Paula McGuire

The moral right of the author has been asserted

Cover design by Jade Wheaton

ISBN: 978-1-473-59867-6

This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the authors and publishers rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

The content of this book is a humorous guide to games and activities. It is intended for adult use only, and if used for drinking games, it is expected that readers will drink responsibly and avoid any behaviour that may pose a risk to themselves or others. The publishers disclaim, as far as the law allows, any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use, or misuse, of the information contained in this book.

They say that only boring people are ever bored. Theyre wrong.

Boredom is a universal enemy, waiting to strike behind every bad film choice and rainy Sunday afternoon, and if you dont know how to access the antidote, it can poison your entire outlook on life. Thankfully, adventure exists to save us all from the ravages of boredom, and once you start noticing adventure, youll spot it everywhere you go.

The key to finding adventure is knowing where to look for it. Or, more accurately, where not to look. Its not hiding on the other side of the world from you; neither is it lurking somewhere beyond your next pay rise. Adventure doesnt play hard to get.

After spending a year trying something new every day, it became abundantly clear that never in a million lifetimes would I run out of different things to try, and thats because, almost immediately, I started to bring the spirit of adventure to even the most mundane parts of my day. And thats the real secret: adventure isnt out there, its inside, just waiting for you to apply its magic to your world.

Whether youre spending time at home or venturing outdoors, on your own or entertaining friends, Adventures for Bored Adults was written for every situation from hen or stag dos to staycations, get-togethers and self-care days and it will give you something fun and easy to do without the interference of a screen. Play a new game, take up a challenge, try a fun activity or just allow yourself a special treat; whatever your mood, theres an adventure for you.

All you have to do is turn the page.

Throughout the book, look out for adventurers for the amount of participants, at home or on the move symbol, and the thumbs up symbol for level of difficulty (the games get more complicated as you go through the text).

You might wish to use some of the games and challenges as drinking games if so, make up your own rules and act responsibly.

Some games carry a warning: PLEASE ADVENTURE RESPONSIBLY!

Games: whether they are strict or silly, traditional or completely made-up, what they all have in common is that they can turn even a boring old truth into entertainment with just a little dare. A game can test your skills, your memory or your patience. You can play on your own, with family and friends or with complete strangers even if they dont realise theyre playing.

When there doesnt seem to be much fun in the world, you just have to make some of your own. And games are a pretty good place to start.

PERFECT FOR: entertaining yourself quietly, figuring out your limits.

Yes! is the simplest game you can imagine, as theres only one rule: you have to agree to everything for an entire day. Will you take the dog out? Yes. Can I borrow a tenner? Yes. Will you lend me your car for a bank job. Ye Actually, I think Ill let you make your own judgement on that one. Dont tell anyone that youre playing the game (or you might find your new willingness being abused), and keep it going for as long as you can without getting yourself into any compromising positions.

PLEASE ADVENTURE RESPONSIBLY!

PERFECT FOR: improving boring walks, feeling superior to strangers.

Not all games need formal rules or points systems or even for players to know theyre actually playing. For Secret Races all you really need is to be in a public place, whether on your own or with friends. Pick a random pedestrian, cyclist or even dog nearby and secretly declare a race. To the next lamp post, side street or even all the way home: the finish line is up to you. You can award head starts and time penalties whenever/if they are deserved and do a stealthy celebratory jig when you win.

PERFECT FOR: brightening up the housework.

Make a game of the mundane by adding a little challenge to the most boring daily tasks. Pretend youre in a finishing class by keeping a book balanced on your head while doing the vacuuming. Tidy up while on one foot. If youre feeling really brave, hold an egg in the crook of your elbow while cleaning the car. Sure, youll be making a dreary job take longer, but if its good enough for Mary Poppins, its good enough for you.