Comments on: Making and Keeping Man Friendships

By: Richardson

Richardson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:11:06 +0000

This is a great post and a great site. I think that man friendships are very importent. I have a few dudes I hang with and we have a pretty cool and open friendship. Always down to make a new friend. I have thought about the masons, and I will look into that soon. Meetup is great too.

By: Mark Wiz

Mark Wiz — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:26:20 +0000

Great article! Two other places to make great friends:
volunteering — I volunteered for years at an auto museum and met one of my best buds there.
gym — guys talk in the locker room, sauna, pool, etc. with surprising openness. You can start a conversation with something as inane as the weather, but I’ve found guys really open up with a compliment. If a guy’s obviously taking his gym routine seriously, tell him you admire his dedication. Man, guys light up with recognition of effort. I’ve also noticed guys with complex tats like compliments about them. You may think that’s invasive, but these guys got inked to be seen and admired. Sometimes there are cool stories behind them. The same, however, may not apply to piercings! ;-)

By: Matt Hotze

Matt Hotze — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:03:33 +0000

This is a great post. I love the thoughts here on how to create and maintain man friendships. These types of relationships are often neglected, especially after college. Thanks.

By: Harlen

Harlen — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:19:40 +0000

As a Freemason, I can say that the fraternity has provided me with some wonderful friendships. It also makes moving easier because almost every town has a lodge. No two lodges are the same and so I recommend shopping around a little. But wherever you go, you’ll find a group of honest hardworking men interested in art, science, literature and the well being of their community.

By: Julian

Julian — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:31:25 +0000

Friendship is one of the most important things in life. And in my view, anything important is worth studying about. These are all great tips, and one should see what one can incorporate into one’s life to enhance friendships. Philosophy is rather scant on the topic of friendship, although the Greek philosophers had some to say. But importantly, they said that friendship can only truly exist between virtuous people or those in common pursuit of virtue.
I used to be bad keeping in touch with friends, believing that bonds would be fine no matter how much time lapses, but the essay “The Decay of Friendship” by Samuel Johnson changed my mind. Read it here: http://grammar.about.com/od/classicessays/a/friendjohnson.htm
On another note, yes, although joining the Masons might be beneficial in regards to initiating and fostering friendships, one has to see whether their ideals coincide with what your beliefs are. From a Catholic perspective, the Church is emphatic on its irreconcilability with Masonic membership, and that what Mason’s claim regarding indifference to any religion is false. There is no compatibility. See here: http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0161.html
Knights of Columbus would be an excellent option for Catholics, since deepest friendships are based on common values and goals, and respect for a person’s character.

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:51:23 +0000

totally agree – this is really important and such an overlooked part of the lives of guys. While I’m a big fan of facebook and the blogosphere, sometimes I wonder if all of these “virtual relationships” are slowing us down from finding some new bros in our own neighborhood.

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:58:56 +0000

Just a note: For Catholics, the Masons are out, due to centuries of issues between the two. However, a great group to join (for Catholics out there) is the Knights of Columbus–combining fraternity, religion, and charitable work.

By: Mohan

Mohan — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:24:32 +0000

I am looking a honest, simple,goodlookng and careable friends so we can share our filling.

By: shawn

shawn — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:26:49 +0000

thanks! I just graduated and was having a hard time keeping in touch with my friends. I thank you guys for the post and the site!

By: Rod Homor

Rod Homor — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:47:23 +0000

I am lucky because I have always had friends who are interesting, inspiring, and successful. They make me want to be a better Human Being, and I want to spend time with them to learn, see what they are doing, and just hang out and have fun laughing.

Not everyone can say this, but my friends from high school and I STILL get together regularly. We truly care about each other, and are more or less active cheerleaders in the others’ lives.

We have a Supper Club that meets two to three times a year, and we get together at a new restaurant each time, explore a new section of the city, a new menu, and just catch up.

I have been blessed to know such wonderful, talented, interesting, successful, caring, and inspiring folks.