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Male Camaraderie Cannot Be Underestimated
Male camaraderie and brotherhood have, in recent times, been described as toxic by some parts of the media and talking heads on TV, however, its importance cannot be underestimated… and is far from toxic!
Let’s take a look at some examples of building male friendships and how they can impact your life.
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The return of the Premier League
If you’re like me, you enjoy getting together with your friends to watch sports and the return of the English Premier League, and football (soccer) in general, has given us the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with our mates.
Playing and watching sports has always offered a great chance to bond with friends. The spirit of competition when playing and camaraderie when watching is something most men enjoy.
In fact, the camaraderie men experience from sports should not be underestimated. Whether it is playing or watching sports, men enjoy the banter, the competition, and the rush of being around like-minded men.
It’s ingrained in us.
For me, since getting sober these activities have not revolved around getting drunk, which has made them even more enjoyable.
Yes, my friends still drink and sometimes get drunk but that doesn’t bother me. I am not controlled by booze anymore and that means I am able to leave any situation that makes me feel uncomfortable.
So if my mates take it too far, I’m not shackled to the liquid poison and am not forced to stay against my will.
This is one of the benefits of not drinking.
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More than sports
However, bonding between men is not exclusive to sports and can be as simple as catching up for regular coffees.
In sobriety, coffee mornings become a staple for many men.
Gone are the days of drunken chats over pints. Now chatting about problems over a hot coffee is more likely.
Where I live coffee culture is an integral part of life. It’s something that is actually more prominent than bar life. And it’s where my friends and I find that we’re most comfortable chatting through any issues we’re having in life.
Do you go out for coffee with your friends?
Men also find it beneficial to go to the gym together. This is something I’ve noticed is of great benefit for dads.
Not only do you get to chat with a fellow dad about parenting, and the ups and downs of life, but you also get fit at the same time.
It’s a win-win.
Also, when their children see them going to the gym and getting fitter, they will naturally take an interest, which is another positive.
A win-win-win!
If you’re looking to get fitter then I recommend starting the 90-Day Warrior Monk Transformation program by Jack Coulson:
Benefits for dads
Dads, your children really do benefit from seeing you bonding with another dad/man. They need to see you having a laugh and forming friendships.
They need to see what these healthy relationships look like.
Camaraderie and brotherhood are so important for dads.
Being a dad can be hard work so it is important that you have someone to talk to, to share parenting ideas with, discuss any problems you may be having and be there to support them when they need you – remember, helping someone else usually ends up helping you too.
However, as great as it is for your children to see you bonding with fellow men/dads, these bonds are most likely formed in the time when you’re away from them.
Time away from the kids is imperative for every father to recharge and socialise.
Start a book club
Go to a quiz night
Spend the day hiking
Have an evening of gaming
Try boxing or MMA together
Watch a live sporting event
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Spend some time away from your kids. Do something you wouldn’t normally get to do. Have fun and bond with your mates.
By recharging yourself away from your children you’re going to come back refreshed and ready to go.
Which again, is a win-win for everyone.
Men:
Surround yourself with winners
Surround yourself with the best
Surround yourself with a brotherhood
Surround yourself with a supportive tribe
Surround yourself with people who lift you up
Your children will benefit from building bonds with fellow men/dads and so will you.
I’ll leave you with the words of Andrew Tate:
“Brotherhood is magical.
Grab any man on this planet and give him a brother.
Give him a man on earth who truly CARES about him.
And it is guaranteed his life will be better.
It is a CERTAINTY.
Brotherhood is a UNIVERSAL life improvement.
Brotherhood is MAGICAL.
A brother is a man on this planet who cares about you as much or more than he cares about his own self.
Every morning he wakes up and takes a status check on both your own and his life.
His soul views yours and his as the same.
A brother is an extra mind and soul who exists with your well-being at the forefront of his mind.
A brother doesn't need to be blood-related.
There is no true limit on how many you can have.
But the reason most men are brotherless,
Is because they aren't a brother themselves.
You must give the magic of brotherhood before you will ever receive it.
Only with brothers can you defy all the odds and accomplish the impossible.
Only brothers allow one man to accomplish what is impossible for one man to accomplish.”
I hope you enjoyed this free edition of the AFF Newsletter on Substack.
Take care of yourself and your family,
Love the quote you pulled from Tate. Being in a new place is hard to create camaraderie at times. This reminds me I can give the gift of brotherhood to someone who needs it.
Good one! #truth
So much of my life and growth has revolved around this concept. Thanks for pointing out the importance. 🙏