The movie is a comedy but actually has a serious question. What is male bonding and is it necessary? Most guys have best friends, they have "boy's night out" and they bond by going to sport events, fishing, drinking beer, playing music, etc. Women usually are supportive of their husbands having best friends until it gets too wild or their husbands begin choosing their buddies over their wives and families. I've talked to guys about these relationships. Men report them to be very important and healthy to their well being. Guys need other guys to communicate because men's and women's style of communication is so different. Men aren't as vulnerable with each other and they talk about different things then what they discuss with their girlfriends or wives. They do activities together and may spend whole day fishing without words. They are not responsible to other guys as they are to their wives and girlfriends so these relationships are less stressful. Men don't analyze and think about what they say to each other. They communicate more directly so the pressure to keep going over things they said to each other is unnecessary.
How does a guy find a guy friend?
- Hang out where guys hang out. The gym, sport stores, hardware stores, book stores, and sports café.
- Ask your girlfriend or wife to invite other couples over. That way you can have dinner with the guy before you invite him to join you for a fishing trip, or a golf game.
- Have a cook-out. Guys love to get into cooking over a pit in the back yard.
- Start taking you car apart in the drive way. Every guy in the neighborhood will come by to see what you need help with (I happened upon this one by accident...my car fell apart in the driveway).
- Plan a camping trip with a group of guys from work. It's good to get away from all of your family responsibilities every once in awhile.
It is a well known fact that people who have many social connections live longer. Women have networks of friends established and this is one of the healthiest aspects of being a woman. Men need that too. Friends make your blood pressure lower and lower stress. It is more difficult for guys because they worry about being judged. Don't let what others think prevents you from doing what is very healthy for you. Find a best friend now...in fact find a couple of guys you can talk with or play a game of tennis with. Your body, mind and relationships with your wife and children may all benefit. Have a great week!!!
MJo
