Passive--Watching Life Go By

Dear Friend,

I’ve heard about the problem of passive men for many years. Sometimes the message comes off as misogynistic, but for the most part, it’s a call for men to start taking responsibility and action for their lives.

Passive is the opposite of Intentional.

The statistics in Richard V. Reeves’ book, “Of Boys and Men” back up my mentor’s observation. Boys and young men are not applying for college, attain fewer master’s degrees, and dropping out of the workforce when compared to women. The male attitude of economic passivity carries over to relationships. Men commit suicide, are lonelier, and less socially connected than women.

Now you see why I sent an email on Monday saying the #1 Rule of Friendship is to be Intentional.

Yes, a lot of social and cultural interventions need to happen for men and boys. How we do school, prepare for the workforce, and other issues are systemic cultural problems.

But you don’t need to wait for the government to do something to change your life.

• Get intentional about your friendships.

• Stay intentional.

• Help other men become intentional friends.

In other words:

Be intentional friend that changes the world.