Bridging time: negotiating serious leisure in intimate couple relationships

Samantha Punch, Miriam Snellgrove

Playing competitive sports and hobbies can sometimes create tension and stress in relationships. This article looks at how people who play the card game bridge at a high level balance their desire for competition with their personal relationships.

The article found that having a partner who also plays bridge can help manage the challenges of combining competitive leisure with family responsibilities. However, the study also found that these bridge partnerships can have their ups and downs, including disagreements and failures during play.

The article also discusses how women in these partnerships can be viewed as weaker players, even though that's not always the case. Through interviews with elite bridge players, the article explores how couples negotiate their personal relationships and serious hobbies in a world where time is limited and gender roles can play a role.

Read the article here →