As always, John, you bring a fresh and meditative insight into an important and vital topic. I find your post on friendship is complemented by your review of Cal Newport's Slow Productivity. Friendships are not based on clicks or likes, but on long-term, intentional cultivation or attention. We will have many 'friends' over the course of life, most of which devolve into acquaintances, if we're honest. On the flip side, we know those friends we have that no matter how much time or distance has separated us, when we do spend time together, it's as familiar as if we saw each other last week.
You have illuminated the benefits of pursuing these friendships, which granted are easier for women than men. But to your point, it's not that men don't have feelings or yearn for deep friendship, it's just being ill-equipped to how to pursue them. It's finding a friend, and often it's only one, with whom there is enough trust to be transparent and vulnerable - and inivite the friend to do and be the same.
I pray this post sparks consideration, thoughts and even the practice of talking to one's self in expression of feelings in pursuit of deeper, closer, authentic friendships.
As always, John, you bring a fresh and meditative insight into an important and vital topic. I find your post on friendship is complemented by your review of Cal Newport's Slow Productivity. Friendships are not based on clicks or likes, but on long-term, intentional cultivation or attention. We will have many 'friends' over the course of life, most of which devolve into acquaintances, if we're honest. On the flip side, we know those friends we have that no matter how much time or distance has separated us, when we do spend time together, it's as familiar as if we saw each other last week.
You have illuminated the benefits of pursuing these friendships, which granted are easier for women than men. But to your point, it's not that men don't have feelings or yearn for deep friendship, it's just being ill-equipped to how to pursue them. It's finding a friend, and often it's only one, with whom there is enough trust to be transparent and vulnerable - and inivite the friend to do and be the same.
I pray this post sparks consideration, thoughts and even the practice of talking to one's self in expression of feelings in pursuit of deeper, closer, authentic friendships.