More than “My Boy”: The Need for Emotional Intimacy in Male Friendships
The term mankeeping, coined by Dr. Puzio Ferrara, who researches male friendships, describes a common dynamic, where women serve as the primary (and often only) source of emotional support. (Pearson, 2025). I love that men show up to the ToGather series, dive into the conversation frameworks, and come back for more. They value that they can access a space to safely share their thoughts, feelings, and forge new connections with people of all genders.
A Latke to Takeaway: Gathering Insights from the Festival of Lights
Even the most extroverted and energized among us lose steam during the winter holiday marathon. Here’s how our friends, Ali and Rudy, designed their gathering to keep us engaged—and what you can learn from it for your own events.
Give Part-Time Colleagues Full-Time Respect
When we think of belonging, we may not initially consider part-time workers. With irregular schedules and limited hours, it can be challenging for them to feel fully integrated into an organization's culture, often missing out on key meetings and daily interactions.

