There are few things that make girlfriends and wives more nervous (or annoyed) than hearing of their partners going on a “guys’ trip.” Going out with the guys, especially for days at a time, isn’t just annoying due to the household chores that need to be done. It’s also annoying because it means wives aren’t allowed to join in the fun.
MUST READ: Are Swinger Vacations Healthy For Relationships
Annoying as it may be to have your man duck out for a while, it’s something you really need to consider every so often. While it may be a pet peeve for a lot of girls, the truth is that a guys’ trip is something that can really improve your relationship. Don’t believe it? Here are some of the perks that come with letting men have “man time.”
It helps them get “me time.”
Part of keeping yourself emotionally healthy is knowing when you need to have time to yourself. Sometimes, “me time” is really more about feeling more connected to your gender and doing things that might not be your partner’s cup of tea.
Both men and women need time to just do things that put them in touch with their gender. Guys’ nights give guys a way to just be a man and do man things. It helps them feel more balanced in their lives and also can act as a way for them to let off steam. Why deprive him of something so healthy?
Men need social support networks, too.
Studies show that men are feeling increasingly isolated and dependent on their spouses when it comes to a social life. This isn’t healthy! Everyone needs friends. We’re social creatures that need a support network. To have a support network, you need to keep up your friendships by talking from time to time.
This isn’t just a matter of popularity, either. It’s a serious health matter. The trend of “friendless men” has actually led to a spike in depression and suicides among men of all ages. Unless you want a depressed partner, you’ll let them have their fun.
Guys’ trips also means you get to enjoy alone time, too.
Let’s think for a moment. When was the last time you had free time to go and hit a spa? What about the last time you were able to go out to a yoga class without your partner rolling his eyes? You need that alone time, too.
Take that time to “date yourself.” A couple of days of doing whatever you want will help center you and remind you of how awesome you are.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
We’ve all seen couples who are always joined at the hip, and we have all seen the fallout, too. When you spend all your time with a certain person, it’s hard to feel excited to see them. You run out of topics to think about, you feel smothered, and eventually, love runs out.
Taking time apart, even if it’s for a couple of days, is a good way to remind you of why you love your partner. It also gives you time to do new things, find new things to discuss, and reignite that spark.
It also will motivate him to be a better partner.
Happy men are men who are better partners, period. Much like women, guys get glum when their partners don’t let them have fun. By letting him have time with his friends without you, you’re giving him reason to want to treat you when he returns home.
Science backs this up. Men who are allowed to go out with friends are more likely to be generous to their wives and girlfriends. So, who knows? You might get a gift out of it.
His friends will adore you for it.
Nothing is worse than seeing a friend whose partner doesn’t want them to meet with friends. It’s a painful type of rejection. It’s also a major red flag that can make friends worry about their friend’s wellbeing–and rightfully so. Abusive relationships often start by isolating a partner from friends.
Guys worry about their friends’ partners. Letting him go on guys’ outings is a great way to show his friends that you trust him and want him to be happy. It signals that you’re a good girlfriend to him, which makes them love you. This makes your relationship that much easier!
You also might get a girls’ night in exchange.
Miss your friends? It might be time to get him to go out of the house. If you let him have a stag night, that means he can’t argue when you decide to hit the spa with your friends. Fair is fair, you know.
Much like guys need to spend time with their guyfriends, you need a girls’ night out once in a while. A trade makes it possible. Besides, doesn’t it feel good to reconnect with friends?
It helps him grow as a person.
Being around the same people all the time might be comfortable, but it’s not good for your personal growth. Hanging out with friends and going on adventures with them helps you grow as a person and improve your outlook on life.
When he’s out with friends, he could be talking about relationships. He could be learning how to do something new. Or, he could learn something about himself with the help of his bros. Relationships that encourage personal growth are healthier, happier, and longer-lasting.
It gives him a reason to stay in your relationship.
Girls who bar guys from seeing their friends are girls who often find themselves dumped. Why? Because it shows you don’t trust him and that you don’t care about his wellbeing. Guys who can’t meet with friends eventually get tired of feeling isolated and usually will leave.
The phrase “bros before hoes” is very real with many men. If you don’t let him see his friends once in a while, he’ll eventually get sick of it and leave.
