Since 5000 BCE, board games have been around, encouraging social interaction, providing hours of entertainment, and generating millions of "inside jokes." With the recent re-popularization of board games, here's why you should be participating in the board game craze.

1. Board games force you to engage in social situations.

We often are so busy on our phones that we miss the beauty of people right around us. Plus, it is good to exercise those people-skills.

2. Board games are a fun way to increase your brain power!

Have you ever been the banker in Monopoly, or stuck on "factoid" in Cranium? Board games require math, trivia, and strategy skills; you never know what a board game will teach you!

3. Board games eliminate the awkward small talk.

So you're not great in social situations: no worries! Board games force you to engage with others along a set of rules, and anyone who has issues generating conversations will be saved. And, by the time the game is over, you will have more than enough to talk about.

4. Board games show true nature.

Is your friend generous to a fault, or disturbingly competitive? If you can't say specifically, play a game of Monopoly and get back to me - you'll know.

5. Board games are great get-to-know-you tools.

It is impossible to play a board game with someone and not learn something about that person. Whether an icebreaker or just friends playing, you always learn something.

6. Board games are a great alternative to drinking.

Board games aren't cheap, but they cost about the same as a bottle of liquor. One of these things provides endless hours of entertainment, the other hours of vomiting. Why wouldn't you want to take part in an activity that is better for you and way cheaper?

7. Board games are mobile.

Batteries, power, and public laws are limitations to typical activities (like playing on phones, game systems, and drinking), but board games can happen anywhere!

8. Board games are all-inclusive.

There is no age limit, most games can accommodate a large number of players, and gender/race/sexuality/religion play no role in your candidacy. Board games don't exclude people based on personal factors, so come one and come all!

9. Board games are getting better.

With the recent re-popularization of board games, there are so many new and exciting games that are more relevant to our generation. These include Cards Against Humanity, Killer Bunnies, Exploding Kittens, Munchkin, Fluxx, Quelf, Bananagrams, and so many more. Board games are evolving, too; branch out, you might be surprised by what you find.

10. Board games generate a following.

The more you play a particular game, the more excited and intentional people will be about playing with you. Good games establish a reputation within a community, especially on college campuses, and people will come running to join (similar to a game of Ultimate Frisbee).

11. Board games are vastly diverse.

From trivia, card, and dice games, to Harry Potter, Doctor Who, and Zombie themed games, you can find any kind of game that appeals to you. Just keep looking, any theme, any kind of game.

12. Board games are just fun, ok?

Don't deny it - you know I'm right. Board games are amazing and worth the time.