Real Friends Ask Real Questions: Why the {THE AND} Friends Edition Still Hits Deep

We say friends are chosen family, but how often do we really go deep? {THE AND} Friends Edition helps turn everyday moments into meaningful connection, with questions that bring out the stories, laughter, and truths that keep friendships real.

Picture of four friends sitting on a couch and playing a conversation card game raising their hands and laughing, with Christmas trees behind during holiday season
A group friends playing {THE AND} Friends Edition

We all know the phrase “friends are the family you choose,” but how often do we actually choose to go deeper with our friends? Not the group chat memes, not the weekend plans, not the surface-level “how’s life?”, but the real, heart-opening, “I didn’t know that about you” kind of stuff?

That’s where the {THE AND} Friends Edition comes in.

This deck isn’t new, and that’s the point. It’s been in living rooms, backyards, dorm rooms, and beach blankets for years, helping friends of all kinds pause the chaos of daily life and reconnect in meaningful, unforgettable ways.

And honestly? That’s why it’s still one of our most loved and shared decks today.

What is the Friends Edition?

The {THE AND} Friends Edition is a question-based card game made to deepen your friendships and challenge the idea that you already know everything about each other. With 199 questions ranging from hilarious to heartfelt, it’s designed to spark the kinds of conversations that don’t always come up naturally, but leave you feeling more seen, more connected, and more real.

It's not about who wins. It’s about what you learn.

Use it with old friends. New friends. The in-between friends.

Friendship doesn’t always grow on its own. It needs space. Intention. Curiosity. And this deck gives you all three in a playful, welcoming way.

Here’s when to bring it out:

  • Friendsgiving or holiday hangouts - Turn the vibe from chaotic to cozy with questions that make everyone feel like part of something.
  • Long-distance reunions - Whether you haven’t seen each other in weeks or years, the deck helps you skip the small talk and dive into what matters now.Sleepovers or shared couch time - There’s nothing like learning new things about your day-one bestie while eating snacks in your pajamas.
  • Friend dates - Want to bring more intention into your friendships? This is the perfect way to say “you matter to me” without making it weird.
  • New friendships forming - Whether you're in a new city or finally bonding with your coworker outside of meetings, this deck is a soft landing into closeness.
  • Creative circles, roommate nights, or chosen family dinners - Anytime you want to open up the room and let the real conversations happen.

Real stories, real connections.

We’ve heard from thousands of players over the years who’ve used this deck to open up in ways they didn’t expect:

  • A friend group of five who took the deck to the beach and ended up sharing stories they’d never told anyone else.
  • Two best friends who’ve known each other since middle school and still found new truths about one another after 20 years.
  • A friend duo going through a rough patch who used the deck as a way to repair their bond, without pressure, just honesty.
  • A group of roommates who turned a casual Tuesday night into something that felt sacred.

Friendship deserves attention. This deck helps you give it.

While other party games focus on laughs and wild dares (and hey, we love a good party), the Friends Edition is here for something different: meaningful, playful presence. The kind of quality time that turns a regular hangout into a memory. The kind of questions that remind you why your people are your people.

A few favorite prompts from the deck include:

  • “What part of me or my life are you jealous of? Why?”
  • “When do you come to me for help instead of your other friends?”
  • “How honest are you with me?”
  • “When was the moment you felt closest to me?”
  • “When have you seen me as my best self?”

These aren’t your average “get to know you” questions. They’re designed by real humans, for real connection.

Still one of our most powerful conversation tools.

If you’ve followed The Skin Deep for a while, you know that at the heart of everything we do, all of our toolkits and card games, our Emmy award-winning series {THE AND}, our interactive storytelling, is a belief that asking well constructed questions can change everything. The Friends Edition has proven this time and time again.

And in a world where friendship is often taken for granted, this deck is a reminder to take a beat and appreciate what you’ve built with your people.

Because friendships evolve. And so should the conversations.

Whether you’ve had this deck sitting on your shelf or are just discovering it now, {THE AND} Friends Edition is a timeless tool to keep your connections strong, your stories shared, and your friendships real.

{THE AND} Friends Edition
Having friends who truly “get” us at the core level is becoming a rare phenomenon. While our social media feeds may overflow with acquaintances, how often do we cultivate friendships steeped in empathy, vulnerability and brave truth-telling? It’s time to break free from the superficial with {THE AND} Friends Edition ca

Regina Zuniga
The Skin Deep Digital Content Specialist