Why do I play pretend as an adult?

Playing pretend, often considered a childhood activity, is not exclusive to kids. Many adults still engage in imaginative play, whether through games, roleplaying, or simply using their imagination in everyday life. But why is this something adults do, and what benefits does it bring?

Here’s a closer look at why playing pretend as an adult can be both enjoyable and beneficial.

1. Creative Outlet

Imaginative play allows adults to tap into their creativity in a way that may not always be possible in the constraints of everyday life. Whether it’s through creating stories, acting out roles, or playing role-playing games (RPGs), pretend play provides an opportunity to explore new ideas, create characters, and experiment with different scenarios. It’s a way to express creativity and explore new perspectives, something that can be rewarding and fulfilling.

2. Escaping Stress and Routine

Life can often feel overwhelming with work, responsibilities, and the constant hustle of adult life. Playing pretend can offer a temporary escape from these pressures. It’s a form of mental relaxation that allows adults to break free from the demands of their day-to-day lives and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy or fun. This mental break can help reduce stress, provide emotional relief, and allow for a reset.

Pretending can also give you the freedom to imagine a different life or situation—whether it's being a hero in a video game, an explorer in a fictional world, or a character in a novel. This kind of imaginative escape can make everyday life more enjoyable.

3. Bonding and Social Connection

Imaginative play isn't just an individual activity—it can also be a way to bond with others. Many adults enjoy pretending or roleplaying in group settings, such as tabletop RPGs, improv theater, or cosplay. These activities bring people together, encourage collaboration, and create a sense of community. When adults play pretend, they often connect with others who share similar interests, which can lead to deeper friendships and social interaction.

Playing pretend with others can create shared experiences and inside jokes, strengthening relationships and enhancing social bonds.

4. Problem Solving and Perspective-Taking

Pretend play as an adult often involves problem-solving. Whether you’re playing a strategic game, roleplaying in a story, or imagining various outcomes in a given scenario, your mind is actively working through challenges. In RPGs or interactive pretend play, you may take on different personas or characters, allowing you to practice decision-making, empathy, and understanding different points of view.

This can also help in real-life situations where you need to think outside the box or put yourself in someone else's shoes to resolve conflicts or make decisions.

5. Stress Relief and Fun

Imaginative play can be incredibly fun and serve as a healthy outlet for reducing stress. Engaging in pretend play can make you laugh, feel joy, and reawaken that childlike wonder, which is often missing in the seriousness of adult life. Playing pretend allows adults to let go of societal pressures to be “serious” all the time and enjoy simple pleasures.

Whether you're pretending to be a favorite superhero, creating an imaginary world, or acting out fun scenarios with friends, these moments of fun can boost your mood, refresh your mind, and improve your mental well-being.

6. Exploration and Self-Discovery

Pretending as an adult may also be a way to explore different aspects of yourself or test out new roles in a safe environment. It might allow you to express parts of your personality or desires that you don’t usually express in your everyday life. For example, you might pretend to be someone more confident or assertive than you feel, which can boost your self-esteem and help you develop new skills.

Additionally, roleplaying in various contexts can help adults process their emotions, confront fears, or discover new talents and interests.

7. Gaming and Immersive Worlds

Many adults find themselves playing games that encourage imaginative play, such as role-playing video games (RPGs), virtual reality games, or online multiplayer worlds. These platforms offer adults the chance to immerse themselves in complex, fantastical worlds, take on new personas, and participate in rich narratives.

In this way, pretending is an active part of gaming culture, where players adopt characters, explore made-up worlds, and engage in adventures, all of which contribute to the immersive experience.

8. Reconnect with Childhood Joys

For many adults, playing pretend is a way to reconnect with the joy of childhood. As we grow older, life becomes more practical and serious, and it's easy to forget the carefree days of imagination. Engaging in pretend play gives adults the chance to recapture that joy, freedom, and spontaneity. It allows us to recapture that sense of wonder and curiosity that we had when we were younger.

Conclusion

Playing pretend as an adult is far from unusual—it’s an enriching, healthy activity that provides creative, emotional, and social benefits. It helps reduce stress, fosters creativity, allows for exploration and self-discovery, and strengthens bonds with others. Whether you engage in pretend play through roleplaying games, cosplaying, or simply using your imagination to escape reality, it’s clear that pretending isn’t just for kids—it’s a valuable part of adult life as well.