Why it works
Nobody has to share their real résumé, and since it is imaginary, nobody can be wrong. Yet one follow-up, "why do you like that universe?", naturally brings out what people really care about.
Three games
| Game | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Other-universe intro | One sentence, "In another universe I live in ... as ...", plus why you like it | 30 sec each |
| Guess the job | Everyone writes one other-universe job on paper; mix them and guess whose is whose | 10 min |
| Letter reading | Read one line from "a letter from the other you" and guess who received it | 10 min |
Hosting tips
- The host goes first with a funny universe to lower the bar.
- Ask for "your most surprising universe" rather than "your happiest" to keep it light.
- Say up front that anyone can pass.
What to avoid
- Follow-ups that dig into real careers, relationships or family history
- Teasing anyone about a contentment score
- Reading results seriously like a horoscope
Getting ready with the app
A nickname is enough
On the first screen of Parallel Lives, "Your origin point", enter a name or nickname and a date of birth. Anyone who would rather not share a birthday can enter any date; the game works the same.
The sample name in the screenshots is a placeholder; you can enter any name or nickname.
Brightest and loneliest
The summary on the first screen shows your "Brightest" and "Loneliest" universes. A round of "introduce your loneliest universe" tends to produce the most unexpected stories.
FAQ
What about people without a phone?
Pass one phone around, or skip the app and let everyone imagine their other self.
Does it work without internet?
Yes, Parallel Lives works offline.
Parallel Lives: The Other You
No sign-up, fully offline. A free Android app made for fun and reflection.