Nelson Vergel
Founder, ExcelMale.com
Men have fewer friends than ever, and it’s harming their health
The “male friendship recession” is having dire consequences.
www.vox.com
@Nelson Vergel, thank you for highlighting this. Probably every bit as important to our health as any hormones we discuss on this forum.Men have fewer friends than ever, and it’s harming their health
The “male friendship recession” is having dire consequences.www.vox.com
I'm reading Arthur Brooks' new book right now, From Strength to Strength, and would strongly recommend it: From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life: Brooks, Arthur C.: 9780593191484: Amazon.com: BooksAnother good article
Prioritizing “real friends” over “deal friends”
In a recent conversation I had with author and social scientist Arthur Brooks, we discuss why friendship is one of the key factors in finding and maintaining happiness as we age.peterattiamd.com
My wife is reading that book and likes it quite a bit as well. Perhaps I am fooling myself, but I would rate myself as extremely happy, and getting happier all the time. I have extremely close, loving, transparent relationships with my three kids and wife, but beyond that I basically have zero “real” friends. I absolutely have tons of deal friends, and tons of people I enjoy, but no one I would really say I cherish hanging out with.
I like it that way because it is efficient and allows me to focus on the things most important to me: family, personal growth and fitness. Of course it is possible that male relationships should be part of my growth goals but I just don’t have a ton of interest.
I think the book suggests the exclusive focus on family works until it doesn't. Your kids grow up, move away, and become busy with their own lives. Marriages don't always last, but even if they do, you are depending too much on and asking too much from the spouse if they are your only close social connection. They may also become sick or die just when you are hoping to spend the most time with them in retirement.Strength to strength would definitely say that for long-term happiness you need more close friendships. I respectfully disagree with that book, but could be wrong. I love me and I’m never ever lonely, sad, or depressed. So maybe I’m unique in that way.
When I was little, we moved to a new city with Mom and dad. Sometimes dad drank, and then he complained to me that mom made him move and it was difficult for him here. He had no friends, only colleagues at work. He spent a lot of time with us, but still communication with friends is necessary for everyone. Thank you for sharing the article, I think it can be useful for him.7 Secrets to Making Friends as an Adult
A step-by-step guide to making new friends as an adult.www-psychologytoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org
Man you have me laughing some times. Thank you.I met a guy at the playground last month (lol).
I have the exact same feelings and experience as youMy wife is reading that book and likes it quite a bit as well. Perhaps I am fooling myself, but I would rate myself as extremely happy, and getting happier all the time. I have extremely close, loving, transparent relationships with my three kids and wife, but beyond that I basically have zero “real” friends. I absolutely have tons of deal friends, and tons of people I enjoy, but no one I would really say I cherish hanging out with.
I like it that way because it is efficient and allows me to focus on the things most important to me: family, personal growth and fitness. Of course it is possible that male relationships should be part of my growth goals but I just don’t have a ton of interest.