I think perhaps one’s true identity comes out a bit more?
My wife is VERY competitive. (Has to win - to be right?)
My son is an obnoxious winner. (Very proud of himself, always sees himself as being the best at everything.)
Daughter #1 takes it all very personally. Is a very sore loser, often quits. (Of course obnoxious winning brother doesn’t help.)
Daughter #2 seems to take it in stride, will stick up for Daughter #1 against obnoxious brother.
Me? I try to keep my mouth shut and remember it’s a stupid game - I couldn’t care less about winning or losing and just try to enjoy it. Giving glances to obnoxious son, which often turns into telling him to zip it - but by that time everybody is so mad at each other.
It has gotten a lot better over the years though. It also depends on the game we play.
The two girls will play these really complicated board games together for hours and have a great time. Mom and I don’t understand them so it isn’t as much fun, but we try.
Great post.