New Men’s Group

Reuel S. Amdur

Connexions is starting a men’s support group, Man Talk.  The first session is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at their office at 67 rue du Couvent.  The group will be facilitated by Krishnan Sundaram.  What is a men’s support group for, anyway?

In the recent past, men’s support groups typically brought together angry men upset about alimony and child support obligations, as well as child custody arrangements.  Now they take on a very different complexion.  They now tend to address the demands of toxic masculinity.  Men commit suicide at greater frequency than women.  Depression is a common problem for men.  One men’s group movement that has emerged is the Men’s Shed, which brings men together to engage in crafts, during which discussion takes place.

What is toxic masculinity?  Men are brave and strong.  They endure pain.  They don’t cry. You’re hurt?  Suck it up, buttercup.  Men are always after sex—love ‘em and leave ‘em.  Men don’t eat quiche.

There are men who have trouble living up to these cultural expectations and need to feel their way beyond the macho mould.  If any of this seems to touch a familiar chord, you may want to drop by on October 26 to see what is going on.  Call 819-557-0615 to register.

And by the way, a good quiche is both nourishing and tasty.