Category: The Journey

As our journey toward deeper male friendship continues, we now arrive at one of the most powerful ideas shaping how many men live their lives: that a man can handle everything on his own, or what is called the myth of self-reliance. In Week 1, we named our personal “man cave,” the internal place men retreat to when life becomes stressful, complicated, or emotionally demanding. In Week 2, we examined the costs of isolation, recognizing how retreating from relationships slowly affects our emotional health, perspective, and sense of connection. This week, we take the next step by examining a belief many men have been taught for most of their lives: that a good man should be able to handle everything on his own, without help. In reality, this myth causes many men to retreat into their caves to avoid the risk of failing.  Now, let’s continue our journey. Like the

As we continue this series about developing new language for male friendship, the journey moves one step further down the path we began last week. This week, we examine something even more important: The cost of our retreat and isolation. In Week 1, we named our “man cave” — the internal place men retreat to when life becomes stressful, complicated, or emotionally demanding. Isolating in your proverbial man cave feels harmless in the moment. It can even feel responsible or necessary. But over time, the quiet habit of withdrawing begins to reshape our lives in ways most men never intended. In many cases, men discover they have been living there longer than they realized. And there are costs: personally, emotionally, and relationally. Like the others in this series, this post is also designed for both personal reflection and group discussion. As you continue walking this path with a few trusted

As I move further in this series about new language for male friendship, we begin this guided journey to real friendship for men, where every trip must start: with an honest look at where you are right now. Our first stop in this 12-week adventure is to look at your “man cave” — the place of retreat that most men don’t notice until they’ve been in it for far too long.  This post, and the ones ahead, aren’t just content to read by yourself. They are designed with time for personal reflection and a separate time to gather together with other men to discuss the topics. As you traverse this journey, you will develop deeper, more authentic friendships.  Now it’s time to step onto the path. Are you ready to go? Men Were Not Meant to Do Life Alone The first question every man must face on this journey: What