Why Men Need Friends and Community

As I've "gained some years" (read: gotten older!), I've realized the importance of friends and community.

A while back I read Triumphs of Experience based on the longest ongoing study involving the same cohort of men at over 80 years running. The primary conclusion of the study looking into the key elements of men's happiness and longevity was their community relationships (and surprisingly, their relationship to alcohol, but that's a topic for another time!).

I recently came across this article from OptHealth (a Traü friend of the family and community member) and was intrigued by the importance of friendships for men's health.

I'm often amazed at (and even been jealous of) how women can maintain and continue to develop the depth of their relationships while we men struggle to do so.

The OptHealth article gives some good guidelines and paints a picture of what healthy male friendships look like. They contain:

• Mutual respect, trust, and support
• Open and honest communication
• A willingness to be there for each other during both good times and bad

One of my all-time favorite poets David Whyte, writes that good friendships are based on mutual and consistent forgiveness...and I don't think I've ever ready something more true.

Community and connection is vital to our health.

If there's anything the past few years have taught us, it's this.

We MUST remain connected to each other and continue to foster the depth of those connections through forgiveness and mutual understanding.

So men, take heed, stay connected to your friend and communities...The Traü Tribe is one small way to do so!