In brief
The article details a writer's experience as they confront the challenges of learning a new game, mahjong, while reflecting on the importance of community, curiosity, and the joy that can emerge from embracing the unfamiliar.
Last week, I found myself at a bustling restaurant in Brooklyn, eager to explore the intricacies of Hong Kong-style mahjong, alongside a friend who had agreed to accompany me. Drawn to the game's vibrant bakelite tiles and the melodic clatter they create, I felt an urge to step into an activity that had long piqued my interest. My mother enjoys the American variant with her friends regularly, and witnessing their camaraderie left me feeling envious. Why not have a new regular game of my own?The class, which was composed of about 15 beginners, kicked off with a dummy round where we got acquainted with the tiles, revealing their values for better understanding. Our instructor guided us through the gameplay, covering everything from setting up the table to the nuances of different tile suits. However, I soon discovered that mahjong is more complex than it seems. Despite my prior experience with various games, I found it challenging to grasp the rules clearly: it's a pung when you have three identical tiles? How did someone win already while I was still deciphering flower tiles?I began to question my motives for learning this game. It was an exhausting endeavor, and I was grappling with the realization that trying something new wasn’t as smooth as it had been in childhood. It’s easy to understand why we often find comfort in the familiar: trying to navigate new skills atop a full schedule feels burdensome and mentally taxing. Did I really have space for yet another commitment in my already busy life?Moments later, to my surprise, my friend excitedly announced that she’d purchased a mahjong set. Suddenly, I reconsidered my earlier disappointment about the lesson. While I had toyed with the idea of leaving due to my struggle with the game, here was my friend extending an invitation to forge a new community. It meant confronting the uncomfortable reality of being novices together, all while aiming for a future filled with interactivity and shared experiences—something I had envied from my mom's ritualistic gaming nights.The essence of learning a new hobby embraces not just the activity itself but also the connections we cultivate with those around us. This shared journey may ultimately lead to the sense of belonging I sought, and through collective growth with friends, I realized the rewards of stepping into the realm of the unfamiliar may be well worth the temporary discomfort.
