David Bentall (left), Carson Pue and Bob Kuhn are long-time friends.
There’s a common stereotype that men don’t need friends, that they don’t have time for friendship, or that it isn’t an important part of their lives.
This is a damaging narrative that needs to be corrected. The truth is that friendships are just as important for men as they are for women, and the benefits of having strong friendships far outweigh any excuses not to make time for them.
The benefits of friendship
Having strong friendships can provide numerous benefits such as increased mental health, improved self-esteem, greater emotional support and even better physical health. People with strong friendships tend to live longer than those without, and those who actively maintain their social networks tend to enjoy more fulfilling lives overall.
Furthermore, having strong relationships can help men become better leaders in their professional lives. Studies have shown that people who cultivate meaningful relationships with others are more likely to be successful in business and leadership roles.
Respecting the depth of friendship
When it comes to building real connections with other people, there needs to be a certain level of respect and trust in order for the relationship to flourish.
Respect is essential because it encourages both parties involved to open up about themselves and share personal experiences without fear of judgement or ridicule. This kind of depth helps create an environment where individuals feel comfortable enough to talk openly about their challenges and successes with each other.
It also allows them to build meaningful relationships over time by growing together through shared experiences – both good and bad – and learning from each other along the way.
Activities that bring friends together
Making room for friendship doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours pouring your heart out on a park bench every day; it could simply mean carving out some quality time with friends on a regular basis for activities like playing video games or sports together; going out for drinks or dinner; watching movies; exploring new places; attending events or conferences; taking classes together; trying out new recipes at home; or just catching up over coffee or tea on weekends. These activities allow people to build lasting friendships while having fun at the same time!
What is keeping you?
Men should prioritize friendship in their lives and actively seek opportunities to engage with friends. Building meaningful connections with those around us is essential for mental, emotional and physical health. Spending time with close friends can help us feel more connected, reduce stress and boost our moods.
Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of our relationships with family members and show them the same attention as we do our closest friends. For the past three years, I have been calling my brothers each Sunday night just to stay in touch. I also phone my mother-in-law regularly to check in on how she is doing.
Making room in our lives for friendship is essential if we want true fulfillment. Not only do friendships offer countless benefits, but they also encourage us to grow into healthier versions of ourselves when we surround ourselves with people who genuinely care about us and vice versa. So go ahead, break out of your shell – it’s time you reap all the rewards friendship has waiting for you!
Carson Pue is an author, speaker, mentor, coach and strategist. One who loves his family, sailing, cities and all things Irish. Carson lives between Murrayville (Langley) and Northern Ireland. His company, Quadrant Leadership Inc., is the platform from which he offers consultancy, executive mentoring, speaking and organizational coaching.
This comment is re-posted by permission from his site.
For well over 20 years I have been part of a weekly small men’s group (up to seven) in three successive locations. As a retired minister I am still in such a weekly group. We meet for an hour, have no agenda but to share our lives, and end the hour with mutual prayer of thanks followed by The Lord’s Prayer. What has been remarkable and wonderful is that when you meet weekly the men you would not naturally relate to become good friends as over time the small group becomes a safe place to be vulnerable.