Young Men Need Strong, Masculine Friendships

Recently, I was visited by a friend I had not seen in awhile. For the sake of anonymity, we shall call him "Robert." During his stay, we talked about the usual items two friends discuss when reconnecting. While we were catching up, I mentioned I had been thinking about doing something bold (out of respect for the privacy of others involved, I will remain intentionally vague on the specifics). He encouraged me to take action. I could not argue with his logic for doing so and told him he was right. However, weeks went by, and I continually chickened out. In the back of my mind, I kept hearing my friends words: "Alex, just do it." Eventually, I summoned enough courage to do it, and I am glad I did. I had been overthinking that issue for far too long, and it was a relief to overcome that. After I took action, I informed my friend and thanked him for his encouragement. He responded by telling me how proud he was of me.
Both conversations with my friend drew attention to the benefits of our friendship. Robert reminds me of my inherent dignity and worth, as well as affirming the choices I have made to improve myself. However, the aspect of our friendship that I most appreciate is his insistence that I continue to grow and that I never settle for mediocrity.
Right now, our world faces a crisis of masculinity. Young men are pursuing pleasure rather than virtue. "Getting some" is more important than forming meaningful connections with others. Society is suffering because of this.
In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle describes three types of friendships: friendships of utility, friendships of pleasure, and friendships of goodness. Our society has too many of the first two types and far too few of the third type. Friendships of goodness are characterized by a desire for the good of the other regardless of self and rise out of a shared goal. These friendships last longer than friendships of utility and pleasure, but do take time to build. Aristotle referred to this type of friendship as "the perfect friendship."
If Christianity is to change the world and return it to a society that respects and promotes religious activity, then young men will need to rise up to lead the way. Without friendships of goodness, though, these potential leaders will remain in boyhood, never reaching the level of maturity required to enact virtuous changes in society. Friendships of goodness inspire boys to become men of virtue, ready to make the world a better place.