Should I Puzzle?

For centuries, jigsaw puzzles have been a cherished pastime, a go-to entertainment before the digital age. While their popularity waned for a time with the rise of screens, they've seen a resurgence. However, despite their widespread appeal, puzzles aren't for everyone, and they come with a unique set of challenges and potential frustrations. Before you dive into your next puzzle, it's wise to consider some of the common drawbacks.

Here are some of those considerations:

The Time and Challenge Commitment

• • Significant Time Investment: Jigsaw puzzles, especially those with thousands of pieces, demand a considerable amount of time. Completing a complex puzzle can span hours, days, weeks, or even months, depending on its size and your dedication. This extended commitment might not appeal to everyone.

  • Varying Difficulty Levels: While some puzzles offer a relaxing challenge, others are notoriously difficult. For seasoned puzzlers, simple designs may no longer satisfy, leading them to seek out incredibly intricate and frustratingly complex puzzles that require immense patience and problem-solving.

The Frustration of Imperfections

• • Missing or Damaged Pieces Can End the Game: Few things are more disheartening for a puzzler than investing hours, only to discover a crucial piece is missing or damaged. This can effectively halt progress and leave an otherwise complete masterpiece unfinished. The frustration and even anger of searching for a non-existent piece can be intense.

  • Costly Piece Replacement: While services like Jigsaw Doctor exist to replace lost or broken pieces, this solution comes at a price. Replacing a single piece can cost $17 to $25, plus shipping, and involves a waiting period of 2 to 4 weeks. This can be an expensive and time-consuming fix for what was meant to be a relaxing hobby.

Social, Space, and Storage Considerations

• • Not for Everyone – Solo Play Might Be Necessary: Jigsaw puzzles simply don't appeal to everyone. Some find them boring or a waste of time. If you enjoy group activities, you might find yourself puzzling alone, as not all friends or family members will share your enthusiasm. It's best to gauge interest before suggesting a group puzzle session.

  • Requires Dedicated Space: Large or high-piece-count puzzles demand a substantial flat surface. A common dining table might not be suitable for long-term puzzle assembly, as it ties up a functional area. Finding an undisturbed space on a floor or a dedicated puzzle board becomes necessary to avoid interruptions and accidental damage.

  • Storage Challenges: If puzzling becomes a regular hobby, the boxes can quickly accumulate and take up significant storage space. Many puzzle enthusiasts find their collections growing, necessitating a dedicated room in their homes for these bulky boxes.

  • The "What Now?" Dilemma: Once completed, a puzzle's primary utility is over. Unless framed (which itself incurs cost and effort), it typically gets dismantled and stored away. For some, the effort of assembly feels pointless if the finished product has no lasting practical use or display value beyond a few days. The decision to frame also leads to the next point.

  • The Pressure to Frame: After investing so much time, many feel compelled to frame their completed puzzles to give them a lasting purpose or display their accomplishment. This adds expense and effort, turning a hobby into a decorating task.

  • Dismantling Can Be Annoying: The act of taking apart a large puzzle after completion can be surprisingly tedious and exhausting, adding another chore to the puzzle experience.

Potential for Frustration and Boredom

• • Risk of Boredom and Abandonment: For those with limited patience, the slow pace and repetitive nature of puzzling can lead to boredom, making it difficult to persevere and complete a challenging puzzle. The perceived lack of progress can make the effort feel unrewarding.

  • Choosing the Right Challenge is Key: Conversely, puzzles that are too easy can quickly lose their appeal, especially for experienced puzzlers. A lack of challenge can kill the "vibe" and make the activity feel unstimulating. It's essential to select puzzles that align with your skill level to maintain engagement.

  • Accidental Damage Is Enraging: Imagine spending hours, even days, on a complex puzzle, only for it to be accidentally scattered across the floor. The anger and frustration that arise from such an incident can be immense, overshadowing all the enjoyment.

  • Addiction Potential: While often seen as a positive, the rewarding nature of puzzling can also lead to addiction. The satisfaction of finding a matching piece and the sense of control over the outcome can make it hard to stop, potentially monopolizing time and energy.

  • Breaks Are Essential: Taking regular breaks is essential, especially when working on large puzzles. Pushing through anxiety or frustration can lead to burnout. Stepping away for a walk, a chat, or another activity allows for mental refreshment, making the return to the puzzle more productive and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

While jigsaw puzzles present several potential drawbacks—from the time commitment and risk of frustration to spatial and social considerations—these are often manageable. For those who enjoy strategic thinking, problem-solving, and a meditative challenge, the benefits frequently outweigh these potential frustrations. The key lies in finding the right puzzle that resonates with your interests and patience level, transforming potential pitfalls into enjoyable aspects of the puzzling journey.