I remember the days before internet, mobiles, blackberries, i-pod and Wii.Your mind was freer to think for yourself, or talk to other people.When work finished it was over, now you can't get away from it, people are more stressed.We played real sport and games with real people.There was not widespread obesity and we needed less money.When you talked to people they didn't fiddle with their gadget, you gave the conversation 100%.I guess many young people have never sat down and played a strategy board game or card game or been to a whist drive?Pls share your thoughts and experiences . . .I asked this Q on a board for older people and got this response which I found interesting, sociologically:-My parents generation (no TV) people regularly gathered for card parties, pot lucks at home, no "reason" needed. They actively sought to introduce friends to other friends, to widen their own circle of friends.I don't see either one happening much anymore.The few times I've tired to invite people over not in celebration of a birthday or effort to sell fundraiser goods, people couldn't relate to a party for no reason except to enjoy each other, and most didn't come. I guess I need to come up with some creative "reasons" for gathering! The "successful" parties I've been to have hired entertainment, such as a 4 piece band. My parents parties didn't have hired entertainment! Different generation I guess.The parties I've successfully attracted people to, the different groups stayed with each other as if separate little parties in one house, instead of mixing, even though I introduced people to each other by pointing out common interests.