Malentines Day and the Importance of Guy Time
By Jimmy Sliwa
The older I get, the less guy friends I have.
It never really bothered me until my wife and kids were out of town and I was home alone.
I tried reaching out to Ray, but he was camping with his wife. I texted Adam but he was spending the weekend coaching his kids. My longtime friends stood me up because they were busy with their own families.
I guess the days of spontaneous ‘hangouts’ goes to the wayside when all the bros have families of their own.
This is when I realized…
If you don’t put it on the schedule, it just won’t happen.
After wife and kids come, guy time just doesn’t happen unless you make it happen.
Enter Malentines Day.
- The lesser-known celebration of bromance and the camaraderie that only guys can truly appreciate.
Girls have the increasingly popular ‘Gal-entines Day,’ in which women get together and have fun. But guys are often left with nothing. And male friendship is on the decline.
One recent survey actually dubbed this male friendship decline as a “friendship recession.”
A post-COVID survey of more than 2,000 adults in the U.S. found that less than half of men reported being satisfied with how many friends they have. Another 15% said they had no close friends at all. This correlates to a 5x decrease in male friendships since 1990.
To make matters worse, men are much less likely to share emotional struggles with their friends as opposed to women.
I guess you could say, the male ‘friendship recession’ is real.
It is just harder to find and keep friends in this oversaturated world.
This makes the case for celebrating Malentine’s Day—a day dedicated recognizing your best guy friends and the camaraderie that only guys can truly appreciate.
What Exactly is Malentines Day?
Malentine’s Day, celebrated on February 13th (because we’re not stealing the thunder from V-Day), is the perfect day for men to revel in each other’s company without the frills and fuss of traditional romantic celebrations.
It’s a day where the dress code is casual, the activities are fun, and the love language is pure, unadulterated bro-ship.
How to Celebrate Malentine's Day Like a Pro
> The Food: Fire up the Grill.
Forget about fancy dinners at overpriced restaurants. Malentine’s Day calls for a good old-fashioned barbecue. We’re talking burgers, steaks, hot dogs, and anything else that screams “manly.” And don’t forget the beer—preferably something you can argue about which brand is superior for at least an hour.
> The Activities: Nothing but Fun
A true Malentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without some classic bro activities. Here are a few ideas to bond over banter.
- Sports Extravaganza: Whether it’s a pick-up basketball game, a round of golf, or just tossing a football around, physical activity is key. Bonus points if you make up new rules and argue about them passionately.
- Gaming Marathon: Dust off those gaming consoles and dive into a marathon session of your favorite multiplayer games. Trash talk is not only expected but encouraged.
- Movie Night: But not just any movies. We’re talking about the classics—Die Hard, The Terminator, Rocky. Movies where explosions, one-liners, and heroic feats dominate the screen.
3. The Gifts: Thoughtful Yet Manly
Malentine’s Day gifts should reflect the thoughtfulness of the bond without veering into mushy territory. Consider gifts like:
- A six pack of your favorite craft beer.
- A high-quality multi-tool for the DIY enthusiast.
- Matching personalized flasks because nothing says “I appreciate you, bro” like coordinated drinking accessories.
4. The Vibe: Keep it Light and Fun
Remember, Malentine’s Day is all about celebrating friendship and having a good time. Keep the mood light with jokes, stories, and maybe even a friendly roast session. This is the day to remind each other of the embarrassing moments you’ve shared and laugh until your sides hurt.
Malentine's Day Do's and Dont's
Do:
- Embrace the silliness. Create a secret handshake, talk about your young/dumb years, or come up with a Malentine’s Day theme song.
- Be inclusive. The more, the merrier. Invite all your guy friends and make it a memorable event.
- Capture the moments. Whether it’s through photos or videos, document the day so you can laugh about it for years to come.
Don’t:
- Overthink it. The beauty of Malentine’s Day lies in its simplicity. It’s not about grand gestures but about genuine camaraderie.
- Bring drama. This is a day for fun and relaxation. Leave any family tensions or disagreements with your wife at the door.
- Forget the essentials. Make sure you’ve got plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment options. Running out of supplies is a rookie mistake.
Why We Could Use Malentines Day
In a world where expressing emotions can sometimes feel taboo, especially among men, Malentine’s Day serves as a reminder that it’s okay to appreciate your friends. It’s a day to recognize the importance of male friendships and the unique bond that comes with them. Plus, it’s just a great excuse to have an awesome time with your best friends.
This February 13th, gather your closest friends, fire up the grill, and celebrate Malentine’s Day in style. Here’s to bromance, belly laughs, and the art of guy time. Cheers, gents!
