For the past five years, I’ve been trying to play one kind of game with this friend of mine online. Every year, the new game version comes out, and almost every year, I make an attempt to hook up with this friend and get a game on. And every time I try, I’m rebuked. I’m sure it isn’t intentional, but it’s sort of become a running joke with me. This year’s attempt was different. I thought for sure it was going to happen. It was practically penciled in on a calendar. Some might have even referred to it as a “date.”

But then, the time to play came, and I checked the Friends List, and I had to chalk up another year to another failed attempt. I’m not even sure why I try anymore.

If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to be over here alone in the corner throwing myself a pity party. That sound you hear is definitely me not crying.