Important Words in Today's World

[PatrickEwing]

Some of us seem better than others. All of us could probably do a little more in the rush of living. 

I like Ozzy's outlook. 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2017/03/09/the-biggest-threat-facing-middle-age-men-isn-smoking-obesity-loneliness/k6saC9FnnHQCUbf5mJ8okL/story.html

[rhcolbert]

Can already tell from the link this will be spot on.  So many different takes on this concept right now coming out. 

[El Presidente]

In my opinion, genuine male friendships are little understood. We operate differently to friendships compared to women. Months, years, a decade can go past and catching up with a genuine mate is just like you caught up yesterday. 

Having said that, the pressure (work, family, divorce, dislocation) can see one lose contact to a point of physical and mental isolation. When "shit goes sour" you need to be able to bounce your thoughts and experiences off others that you trust. 

Business/work, family, health (mental,physical, spiritual), friends are all gardens that need to be sowed and worked.  They are each projects. Projects need tasks and actions to become a reality.  

Make a note to catch up with a mate/mates by phone weekly. Catch up one on one with one (or more) monthly.  It takes so little time, just a little planning.  All part of achieving a balance. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Baldy]

Well said Prez and I agree.  Few take the time and energy to invest in friendships so when they need friends they found none as the cupboard is empty.  Cigars, beer and whisky can be a great vehicle for male bonding which, hopefully, can lead to some friendship.  This is a huge benefit of smoking cigars for me.

[Hamaki]

Social interaction is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle and in my opinion social media has hampered this skill and become a catalyst for societal entropy.  

While the above is a broad generalization about social media, I think many people can identify the unintended, negative consequences of its growth.  It's quite paradoxical that technology intended to bring people together can cause quite the opposite effect.  #irony<-- and yes I'm being ironic by finishing with a hash tag and writing this on a forum instead of hanging out with my guy friends. 

[gweilgi]

A good article, and much to take on board.  Ozzy's advice is excellent ... even when people with children do socialise, they tend to do so in a circle with others whose lives also revolve around their kids.  A bit of me-time is a good thing, if only because it makes things easier once the kids are older and hopefully out of the house and we have more time for spouses and friends...

Nor is it just loneliness that is the danger.  Dan Vickerman's suicide was a high profile wake-up call.  He had it all: the respect of having been a sporting idol (*), an excellent education and a good career, a wife and two young sons ... and everyone was extremely surprised when he ended his own life.  We are men, guys, blokes.  We do not talk nearly enough.  The ladies may endlessly discuss relationships and life problems ... we don't really go in for that.  And when those friends fall by the wayside because of the demands of family and work, it becomes all the harder.  

And on that note, please excuse me.  I shall now settle down on the deck with a cigar and a coffee to make a long call or two ....

 

(*) for Americans and others who do not follow Rugby, he had been a professional Rugby player and played for Australia in two world cups

 

[foursite12]

Thanks for putting this up. Rob's use of the word "balance" is exactly on point.

[Baldy]

7 minutes ago, foursite12 said:

Thanks for putting this up. Rob's use of the word "balance" is exactly on point.

Yes exactly.  Those who are most comfortable in their own skin are best in a group setting.  The Internet are full of insecure bullies that constantly needs attention and craves for "likes".

[dominattorney]

Good points made by all, and in the article. I would venture to guess that cigar smokers fair better than others in the loneliness department. Whenever I have a rough day, I can always bet on meeting up with a friend or four at the smoke shop to lift my spirits. There is a social aspect to the neighborhood cigar shop that is tough to beat. We should all make an effort to put some face time in at our local shop. Apparently, it could save our lives. 

[PlatypusMaximus]

Social interaction is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle and in my opinion social media has hampered this skill and become a catalyst for societal entropy.  

While the above is a broad generalization about social media, I think many people can identify the unintended, negative consequences of its growth.  It's quite paradoxical that technology intended to bring people together can cause quite the opposite effect.  #irony

I strongly agree with this ^^^^. I too think it's very sad how social media has hampered healthy social lifestyles and interactions. It seems people are more interested in creating "likes" and "views" than in creating genuine and in-person relationships.


Just my 2 cents .....

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[Baldy]

20 minutes ago, dominattorney said:

There is a social aspect to the neighborhood cigar shop that is tough to beat. We should all make an effort to put some face time in at our local shop. Apparently, it could save our lives. 

You Americans have no idea how fortunate you are all are for having access to cigar lounges.  In Canada a cigar lounge is a rarity and, if the smoking Nazis have their way, will soon become extinct.  I have partaken with a few social lounges and cigars lounges stateside and can attest to how true your statements are.  Enjoy it friend but never ever take it for granted.

[dominattorney]

14 minutes ago, Baldy said:

You Americans have no idea how fortunate you are all are for having access to cigar lounges.  In Canada a cigar lounge is a rarity and, if the smoking Nazis have their way, will soon become extinct.  I have partaken with a few social lounges and cigars lounges stateside and can attest to how true your statements are.  Enjoy it friend but never ever take it for granted.

I never do. I'm sorry to hear that our brothers to the north are lacking in that department. 

[OZCUBAN]

For us guys in the Perth Crew 

we have What's app our gardens are well watered and well tended 

best mates one could ever wish for 

[Dimmers]

Thanks for sharing, food for thought. I've been guilty of not touching base with friends of late, with the general malarkey of day to day life..

[Baldy]

^^^Happens to all of us, that's life.  Those friends who are of value you will find the effort to invest some time to get in touch with when time permits.