My last post was a sarcastic view on wives keeping their husbands happy, but here I would like to take the opportunity to write something in favor of happy husbands. This may not be scientific fact, (perhaps someone can actually do a study about this) but I've noticed that great husbands and generally happy men have strong male friendships, particularly where their friends provide positive role models and influences.
On the other hand, I have also noticed that many wives tend to sabotage male friendships. Perhaps after a husband is at work all week, spending a Saturday with his buddies appears selfish, and the wife thinks being home and doing things is much more important, and maybe that particular Saturday it is- I'll try not to judge. I just don't think its a healthy thing to do all the time. Woman prize their girlfriends. We go the extra mile to find the time to get together for lunch, shopping, or even a long telephone conversation. We are refreshed when we spend time with our girlfriends. Does the man in your life have such a luxury in his guy friends?
Some men would not admit the need to have close friendships with other men. He thinks his family provides all he needs. The wife might think so too, that she can address all the needs of her husband. It looks like an ideal relationship, but can the wife and family be everything at all times? Here again I hope not to judge and make too big generalizations, but I have seen situations like this that can become controlling or stale.
A woman should love when her man has great guy friends. A man expends physical energy and de-stresses athletically with his friends. He should have friends with similar interests that motivate and push him. He needs friends that share values, so as he watches them in life situations they help shape ideas that he brings to his own home, providing a balance. Sometimes the way he would do something can be even better if the example of his friend models inspires a healthier perspective. Sometimes our husbands need to be the encouragement to their friends also, because friendship isn't just in needing, but also in giving. Friendship is one of the greatest expressions of love.
