Such periods often involve long stretches of intense play. The play harkens back to the games of very young childhood. The games take place in the educational environment, where one's prowess as a student will be tested so there is always an atmosphere of lurking tension in the air. Moreover, because one is interacting with one's fellow students, there is a sense that one's future social skills and mettle is being tested as well, and one must reveal facts about one's self and future goals in conversation. But rather than immediately thrusting someone into classes and a hectic work and extracurricular schedule, freshman, high school and college age, as well as young children are encouraged to go to parties, play at noncompetitive games, and reveal facts about themselves in ice-breaking games and forums, so that the immediate associations of a potentially tension-packed environment are not as stressful as they might...
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