Do your tiles make your heart go pitty-pat?

There are about two bazillion choices when it comes to mahjong tiles. That might be a conservative estimate. Never mind the whole traditional vs. contemporary debate. That's strictly personal preference, akin to the ketchup on hot dogs debate. We all have our opinions and we're entitled to them–even if they're wrong! Kidding, not kidding.

So it's no surprise that one of the most commonly asked questions by new players is "which tiles should I buy". There is only one answer. Buy something you love. 

Mahjong tiles are not like buying a plunger that you run to the hardware store for in a rush because, well, we all know why you'd need a plunger in a rush. Nope. This is a purchase to consider. Take your time, look at what's out there. There's a lot to see so you'll want to invest a bit of time before you invest your cash. 

Wait until you hear the tiles calling your name. When you see a set of tiles and your immediate reaction is an audible "Oooh!", you know you've found your tiles. When you find yourself thinking about them while watching the latest escapades of badly behaving pretend housewives, you know you've found your tiles. When you don't care if they're wildly different from your besties' tiles, you know you've found your tiles.

They don't have to be expensive to make your heart go pitty-pat. But they might be. Frankly, a lot of tiles are pretty pricey, and our economic climate isn't making it better. So now what? You've fallen in love with tiles that take your breath away, for their price as much as their beauty. It helps to remember that with just a smidgen of care those tiles will outlast you. They could be something your kids or grands will enjoy forever too. Multiple friends of mine cherish the tiles their grandmothers played with. Which, by the way, cost a pretty penny at the time too.

And even if you have no one to enjoy them after you- what about you?! If you're only going to buy one set, why buy anything that you don't love? Every time you take your tiles out to play you should get the warm fuzzies. Making an investment in tiles you adore is an investment in yourself. How many of our friends will spend the same amount on a single putter that they'll use and then replace as soon as they find a new one that promises to improve their golf score? (As if.)

We've become accustomed to fast fashion, single-use everythings, and planned obsolescence. Mahjong tiles are not that. This may only be a game, but our tiles are little treasures that give us the means to gather with our friends and enjoy the ritual, share some laughs, and connect in an increasingly disconnected world. Treat yourself to tiles you love. I promise you won't regret it.