Finding your tribe - 5 friends you need in your life.
Middle age, a time when, for most of us, family and finance are at the forefront of daily activities. It’s also a very important time to focus on our friendships, social connections. The Bromances that keep us connected.
Creating and maintaining close friendships with the chaps is critical to helping with our happiness, providing external social connection and opportunities to express ourselves and allow vulnerability away from those that we are supporting daily.
While it is natural to feel guilty about time away from family, consider how the energy and revitalisation of your mood from social connections helps you to ‘pour from a fuller cup’, showing up for your loved ones with higher energy and happiness.
Dunbars Number, a theory proposed by anthropologist Robin Dunbar suggests you should create a ‘tight circle’ of 5 close friends.
Here’s 5 types of friends worth considering having in your life.
Your “Ride or Die”:
First and foremost, every man needs that one friend who's been there through thick and thin, the guy who remembers the questionable decisions of your youth and still treats you like a hero. This friend is like a fine wine—only getting better with time. He's witnessed your questionable fashion choices and embarrassing dance moves, and yet, he's the keeper of your deepest, darkest secrets. Cherish this friend because, let's face it, he's stuck with you through your mullet phase; that's a bond that can withstand anything.
Your Honest-to-a-Fault Wingman:
In your 40s and 50s, you don't have time for superficial friendships or sugar-coated advice. Enter the brutally honest wingman. This friend will tell you when you're making a fashion faux pas or if your dad jokes need a serious upgrade. Sure, the truth may sting a bit, but a true friend knows that sometimes you need a reality check more than a pat on the back. Bonus points if he delivers the truth with a side of sarcasm—laughter is the best medicine, after all.
Your Adventure Aficionado:
Life doesn't stop being an adventure just because you've hit middle age. In fact, this is the perfect time to inject some adrenaline into your routine. Seek out a friend whom you can share a hobby with, or who is always up for a spontaneous road trip or summiting a local peak.
Your Mentor:
In your 40s and 50s, you'll appreciate the friend who dispenses wisdom like a vending machine dispenses snacks—abundantly and without hesitation. This is the guy who's been there, done that, and probably has the t-shirt to prove it. Whether you're grappling with a midlife crisis, a new career path or just trying to figure out how to assemble that new piece of furniture without the instructions, the Mentor is your go-to guru. And hey, if he throws in a few dad jokes along the way, consider it a bonus.
Your Buddha:
Abraham Maslow famously published the Hierarchy of Needs, and his theory suggests that individuals are inherently motivated to fulfill basic needs. One such need is self-transcendence, which involves the recognition of a higher power, taking various forms depending on the individual. While discussing the existence of a higher power might have been frowned upon in the past, there is a noticeable shift in men towards open conversations about spirituality or having a life guide.
Finding a close friend with whom you can share these ideas serves not only to fulfill a spiritual need but also to express and accept potential vulnerabilities. This shift in mindset allows for more meaningful connections, fostering an environment where individuals can explore their spiritual side while strengthening bonds through shared discussions and understanding. Find your Buddha
