This next post in my series with new language for male friendship is the map for your journey for making better friends—the practical ways to use my upcoming posts to develop deeper, more authentic connections with other men.
About The Journey to Better Friends
This journey evolved from my initial post of the year, which suggested we need a New Language for Male Friendship. I began with a Male Friendship Creed that describes the type of friends who help each other become better men. I then wrote a Manifesto Against Male Isolation about the dangers of seclusion and withdrawal, which are major reasons why too many boys and young males today struggle with education, at the workplace, with their families, and with romantic relationships.
My Call to Action was for men to get out of their proverbial “man cave” and start engaging in friendships with other men. I then briefly described the topics, the mile markers per se, you will encounter by Starting Your Journey to Better Friendships. I also provided some tools in Finding Guys to Join You on the Journey, since friendship is difficult for many men.
Now, let’s step onto the path and learn how to use my upcoming posts for this adventure.
The Map for Your Journey
After reading the earlier posts in this series, you should now have recruited a group of 4-5 guys for your small group. You will have agreed to meet for 60–75 minutes weekly, or at least on regular intervals. You should also have committed to complete this entire 12-week journey together.
To follow the map, each time you meet, your group will reflect and discuss the content in the posts together. The posts will help you identify why and where you retreat into your cave whenever life gets hard. They will challenge your false ideas about masculinity and self-reliance. Your discussions will move beyond surface-level topics so you begin to build honesty, trust, and accountability, which are the traits of better friendships. You will also learn the rhythms that help sustain your brotherhood for the long term.
The content of these posts will follow a consistent format that includes:
- The Primary Theme — the focus or central truth of the post
- The Big Idea — why this matters
- Group Discussion Questions— topics to explore together
- Personal Reflection — space to reflect and write about your journey
SPECIAL NOTE: Since my GodBuddies theory has a biblical foundation, I include optional Scripture passages. These are not tests of your belief or knowledge of the Bible, but to use as a compass for reflection, conversation, and spiritual growth. I also wrote several posts to help guys learn to be godly men who follow Jesus Christ, the ultimate role model for manhood. These include Identifying Potential GodBuddies, My Journey through The MANual, a Bible translation for men, my summary of The Foundations for GodBuddies, and the Traits of a GodBuddy Relationship.
Use the content that fits your group. The journey works regardless of any belief in a higher power, God, or Jesus as Lord and Savior.
What This Group Is (and Is Not)
It is important to know that this journey is not intended to diagnose you. It is not about fixing you or turning you into someone else. Seek out professional helpIf you have any deeper emotional wounds. Find a pastor, counselor, or doctor to help you resolve these issues.
That said, this journey can help you discover the power of deeper, more authentic friendships with other men. Following this path, you will find that the group will be:
- Relational, not instructional
- Honest, not performative
- Supportive, not fixing-oriented
- Consistent, not casual
All that’s required is your presence, courage, and commitment. You are not expected to have it all together.
That said, this journey is also not:
- A debate forum
- A drop-in gathering
- A place to impress or withdraw
Just show up, speak honestly, and stay engaged throughout the entire journey.
My next post describes an important step on your journey: the need for confidentiality.
Now, get back to your group to set the date, time, and place to begin your journey to better friendships.
[Feature Image created with ChatGPT]
