Update and about male connections.....

update and about male connections.....

I realize that it's been quite a while since I added to my blog, had a few minutes so thought I would finally get to it.

Summer is here with a vengeance---humidity, heat, etc. I don't mind the heat but the humidity, to me, makes it much tougher to deal with. I have so far gotten out twice for some clothing optional camping, and one nude hike, and I'm heading out camping again this weekend.

I've also had the opportunity through various means to "meet" online and chat with several new male friends, some gay, some bi or straight and married, but all who have that same longing for a meaningful friendship and connection with another male. It never ceases to amaze me what great guys are out there, and yet how lonely and disconnected so many of us feel. I wonder if it is that with societal norms, as men we put so much into our jobs/careers, relationships, and, for many, children/families that we forget to take care of ourselves and our needs until such a point that we take that one moment to stop, look around ourselves and realize that we are out floating alone in that vast sea of people. It's not that we don't get a great deal of love and support from our spouses/partners, our children, even to a certain extent those with whom we work. But there are things that as men we want to be able to talk about, receive affirmation on, and to build some sort of friendship with other men that goes deeper than a wave across the back fence, or a nod to another in the gym. It's so great when you can really find one or two guys with whom you can just totally relax, not measure your words, not feel like there is a competition or that we need to work to live up to. As spouses and fathers, and as workers, we are so often put in a position of having to make decisions knowing that others we love and care about, or our livelihoods will be effected. When do we get to just totally relax without potential of impact on relationships or work? No wonder that men have such a high rate of stress related illnesses, many health problems and die earlier.

Take the time to just reach out and take one step further than that a wave across the back fence, or a nod to someone in the gym. Really mean it when you ask "how's it going?" Offer to help someone or really listen. Beginning to take small steps in making a real connection with other men can help us all heal!!