The average man's life span is 75 years and there is one thing that is vital to their longevity: Friendship. According to University of Maryland Professor Geoffrey Greif, "Men live shorter lives than women,and a lot of men's friendships are considered second-class or not as fulfilling as women's friendships." He's the author of "The Buddy System" and goes on to say that the lack of a fulfilling friendship begins at a young age where parents raise young boys to act like "men" therefore preventing them from being vulnerable and physically close to develop meaningful friendships.
I absolutely agree with the myth of friendships and the professor's view: "...In order to have a good friendship, you have to be highly verbally and physically expressive." He believes that "....men can have very fulfilling friendships without being highly verbal or physically expressive and without revealing highly personal information." Frankly, you don't have to share your entire life with someone to call them a friend; just keep in mind that not everyone is a friend. Realize the difference between a friend and an associate & you'll have more "meaningful" friendships.
Professor Greif points out the obvious, "People with friends live longer and healthier lives." However it is a good point to make. No one wants to be alone in this world and if they say so, they're being untrue to themselves. I find his study to be helpful but is this really new to you? Fascinating as it may be, I have been aware of this fact for some time now. I always knew friendships were necessary but learned later on in my early adult life about trust and loyalty as well as quantity vs. quality. The more friends you have doesn't necessarily guarantee "real friendships."
On that note, I highly value friendships where it's reciprocated though I keep in mind to trust and believe in myself immensely because that's a gray area for some people. To me it's very clear, I came in this world alone and will leave it the same but I will not take for granted the beautiful and exquisite souls that have visited and left their mark.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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