Connecting & The Male Loneliness Problem
Men don't like to reach out. Men don't like to talk to their buddies. Men don't like to say, ‘Hey, JM, man, I appreciate you.’ ‘Hey, JM, I love you.’ ‘Hey, JM, I really appreciate our friendship. I really value our friendship.’
… by the way, guys, if you're listening right now, I would encourage you to pause and reach out to a buddy to say, ‘I'm thinking about you.’
—Keith Bilous
JM and I talk about the loneliness that many men experience, especially as they age. This part of our discussion is a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out and connecting with those around you.
JM shares his personal experience with the loss of his best friend—his dad—and how he coped by turning to writing as a form of expression before reaching out to his wife, friends, and mentors for support. This leads into a broader discussion about the importance of expressing emotions and the harmful effects of bottling them up, a common issue among men.
Highlights:
The Importance of Expressing Emotions: JM talks about the detrimental effects of the "boys don't cry" mentality and how important it is for men to acknowledge and express their emotions.
Sending Love and Support: JM shares his daily practice of sending texts to three people he cares about, highlighting the importance of expressing gratitude and love without expectation.
Connecting & The Male Loneliness Problem | JM Ryerson | Bapl Block 10