Hi there! My name is Lindsey, and I created a party game called Preferences. My love for games started with my grandma - we called her Gommie. Every time she visited from the Midwest, playing cards was a non-negotiable—it was what I looked forward to most (along with her challah French toast, of course). Whether it was Go Fish, War, or Gin, she never took it easy on me. We'd sit at the dining room table and play for hours. These are the memories I look back on and cherish most.
My love for games has seeped into my life's journey, as Preferences is now at the forefront of everything I do. I've always felt called to a deeper mission, but for most of my life, I wasn’t sure what that meant. As a kid, my dreams were all over the place—I wanted to be a pop star, a veterinarian, a professional soccer player, you name it. In high school, I was set on becoming a photojournalist and launching a magazine that only shared positive news stories. At the time, I thought maybe that was my calling.
As I entered adulthood, the feeling of having a deeper purpose never left me, but I still couldn't put my finger on it. After graduating college, I took a corporate job as a customer support rep at a tech startup. Over time, I found myself drawn to the People Team, where I became passionate about employee happiness and fulfillment. I envisioned climbing the HR ladder and making a difference in workplace culture.
I was on this trajectory until everything shifted 4 years ago when a homemade game called Preferences was introduced to my friend group. We’d rip up pieces of paper, throw them into a bowl, and play for hours. It wasn’t until Thanksgiving of 2021, when I introduced the game to my family, that I had my big realization. That night, I went to bed with my thoughts racing, and when I woke up the next morning, I had an indescribable gut feeling—I just knew I had to turn Preferences into an actual game. After years of searching, I had finally found what I was meant to do.
It has taken me three years to fully understand why Preferences is so important, but I finally see the vision. Right now, our world is facing a crisis of loneliness. In 2022, a Cigna survey reported that over half (58%) of U.S. adults are considered lonely. Over half. That is an extremely alarming statistic, and it is imperative that we take action. Quality relationships is the most important factor in leading a long, healthy life. It's not diet, exercise, or even genetics. It's human connection.
In order to feel connected to others, we must feel seen and heard. When we are known and accepted for who we truly are, by people we share common ground with, we experience a sense of belonging. Preferences creates space for exactly that. Through lighthearted and engaging gameplay, it offers a way for people to open up, be seen, and connect on a deeper level. It is more than just a game—it is a tool for building relationships, strengthening bonds, and ultimately, curing loneliness.
It's wild to think that this mission has stemmed from ripped up pieces of paper and chicken scratch for writing, but the best ideas come when we least expect them. Preferences is on a mission to end loneliness, and if you'd like to join us, we'd love to have you. You can support by sharing the game, joining our newsletter, and being kind to one another. Excited to have you along as we bring people together to laugh, connect, and feel more joy.
