November 3rd 2024.
Rob and Jono have been friends since their university days. They have a special bond that has stood the test of time. They always make time for each other, no matter how busy life gets. One night, as Rob was putting his phone on silent before bed, it started to ring. It was a call from his friend Tom, who he had just seen a few hours ago. It was a Tuesday night, which meant that they had just finished their weekly fitness meetup in the park with their closest friends.
During their warm-up run, Tom had confided in Rob about his relationship troubles. He was anxious about going home and facing the music with his girlfriend. Three hours later, Tom's hunch was proven right as he and his girlfriend had broken up. In need of a listening ear, Tom turned to Rob for support. He was grateful for their friendship and whispered, "Thanks for this mate."
Rob and his friends have been praised for their close and supportive friendship. In today's world, where men are experiencing loneliness more than ever, their friendship is a rare and cool sight. A recent report showed that only 27% of men have six close friends, and 15% have no close friends at all. With the alarming rates of male suicide, it's crucial to have a strong support system of friends.
Their friendship dates back to their university days, where they met while studying for their Masters in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath. They were put on a team project together and instantly clicked. After graduating, they all ended up living and working in London, and they made it a point to see each other regularly. Life after their carefree 20s became more demanding, but they were committed to staying connected.
They started a weekly fitness meetup, which they called Ripped Club London or RCL, as a means of staying fit and having fun. But more importantly, it was a way to stay in each other's lives. Their friendship was a priority, and they made sure to keep it alive through their shared activities. Attendance was mandatory, and they even imposed fines for those who couldn't make it, which would go towards future socials and holidays.
Their friendship was put to the test during the pandemic, but they found ways to stay connected, like doing virtual fitness sessions and check-ins on each other's well-being. It was a lifeline for them during a time when everyone felt isolated. Through these check-ins, they heard about the highs and lows in each other's lives, from new babies to career milestones.
Their friendship has taken them on many adventures, from cycling across lakes to traveling to different countries. They even started a podcast together, where they discuss a range of topics from science to daily life hacks. Having the support of each other has made a huge difference in their lives, and they continue to make time for each other despite their busy schedules.
Rob believes that more men should prioritize their friendships and not be afraid to make time for their friends. He remembers the wise words his father told him when he was 16, "Sometimes, you have to put a bit of work into maintaining your friendships." And he has seen the fruits of his labor, as his friendship with Rob and Jono continues to thrive. He encourages others to do the same and to never underestimate the power of a strong support system.
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