Part Three - The Benefits of Having Real Male Friendships

Manhood and Masculinity Blog Posts Series

For many men, life can seem like a burden. After all, we're often expected to be the breadwinners while also fulfilling our day-to-day responsibilities and obligations. On top of that, with modern media constantly bombarding us with visuals of perfection and success, it can feel overwhelming (and sometimes impossible) to try and measure up. But not having a life isn't a foregone conclusion - there are ways we can proactively work towards achieving our goals for ourselves in order to have an overall more meaningful existence. In this blog posts series, I'm going to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional model of "masculinity," why most men don't have a life, and provide practical advice on how modern men can be the best version of themselves, both as individuals and in their relationships with others.

See Part One - Most men don’t have a life here

See Part Two - Get your relationship with your father on the right track today

Learning to build meaningful relationships with other men is an essential part of human development. Not only does fostering these types of relationships offer emotional support, but it can also lead to increased self-esteem and stronger interpersonal bonds. 

Unhealthy communication between men tends to focus on contest and competition, so when friendships shift their focus towards cooperation and mutual respect, it creates a supportive environment where men can actually help each other grow. People become more beneficial to each other when they look at the relationship beyond competitiveness and ego; moving into a space of trust, connectivity, and reflection is what ultimately strengthens men's relationships with themselves and others.

Having meaningful relationships with other men it can be a powerful tool for personal growth. 

Let's explore why. 

The Value of Mutual Respect 

One of the most valuable aspects of male friendship is the opportunity to learn how to have mutual respect for one another. Learning to show respect for another person’s opinions, feelings, and boundaries can be a difficult process, but it is an essential part of creating healthy relationships with all genders. When two men are able to share their thoughts and feelings in an honest and open way without fear or judgement, they create the foundation for true connection and understanding. 

Supportive Listening 

Having real male friends also provides us with someone who we can talk to when we need help processing difficult situations or emotions. A good friend will actively listen to you without trying to give advice or offer solutions; instead, their primary goal should be offering emotional support in whatever form feels right in that moment. This skill can not only improve your communication skills but also help you become more emotionally self-aware and resilient when faced with challenging circumstances.  

Honest Feedback 

Another advantage of having real male friendships is that you have someone who can provide honest feedback on your actions or decisions without worrying about hurting your feelings. Knowing that someone close to you has your best interests at heart and isn't afraid to tell you what they really think can be invaluable when making life-altering decisions or navigating tricky situations. This type of honesty is especially beneficial if the feedback comes from someone who understands how men think differently than women do—you're more likely to get helpful advice from someone who understands how men view the world than from someone who doesn't fully understand gender dynamics.  

Developing meaningful friendships with other men offers many benefits for personal growth and development. From learning how to show mutual respect for each other's opinions, feelings, and boundaries to getting honest feedback from someone close by - there are countless ways that these relationships can help us grow as individuals. It's important not to underestimate the power of having real male friends in our lives; they can help us build confidence, resilience, and agency while teaching us valuable lessons along the way!

In part four of this blog series, we will see how taking the time to explore and connect with nature can be a profoundly powerful experience for men.