What is fraternity at its core? There are certainly a plethora of answers to that question, all subjective, and most equally valid.
For many, however, fraternity boils down to shared experiences between
brothers. Whether we are planning a
philanthropy event, cruising up to formal, or swapping stories of the weekend
in meeting, the moments are heightened by the presence of the men you chose to
spend your college years beside.
The glue holding the strongest of these brotherly bonds
together is bromance. Let’s take a moment to note some of the world’s greatest
bromances. JD and Turk from the hit TV show, Scrubs, show us the inseparable
aspect of brotherhood. Seth Rogan and James Franco demonstrate that a bromance
can transition seamlessly from personal to professional life. Matt
Harvey and Freddie Freeman remind us that even though our bro may play for a
division rival, there is no force strong enough to destroy the bromance. Here
are a few ways to own your bromance, and make the most of the time you have
with all of your closest brothers.
Become a unit
Bromance is often acknowledged and officially recognized
when a member of the opposite sex notes that the two bros are seen together far
more often than they are seen apart. In a naturally occurring bromance, this
aspect is effortless. Your bro will always be the first one you contact to
coordinate a lifting schedule, discuss collaborative alcohol efforts, and undertake any activity. Eventually, your schedules will become
second nature and you will have formed the unit, which is the foundation of the
bromance.
ABW (always be wingman-ing)
The archetype of the wingman is most commonly associated
with the conquest of female companionship. It is important to note that this
aspect of the job must not be overlooked, but the abbreviation ABW means so
much more than that. It is an axiom to remember, a philosophy to be followed
that states that a bro must be supportive and passionate about all aspects of
his fellow bros life. Push his academics, athletics, and certainly his taste in
craft beer. A bromance should be continuously cultivating better brothers, so
never take off the wingman cap.
Embrace the man-date
It is crucial for a man to have a confidante, a bro who can tackle
his strengths and weaknesses with confidence and poise. Take the time to
organize a man-date -- or whatever you want to label it. I suggest heading over
to the Boulder Chophouse, ordering a 24 oz. Porterhouse and a whiskey neat, if you are of age, and
enjoying the company of a friend, away from the complications and tribulations of
the semester. Conversation can be heavy or light. I have found that some of the
best man-dates are completely void of conversation. Understand that bromances
do not need forced conversation, just a common appreciation of the simple
things, like a steak and a drink.
Whether you take pride in the label of bromance, or not, fraternity men, by definition, are social animals. We have chosen to create a
network of brothers and form lasting bonds with men who share common interests.
Make the most of your brotherhood, embrace the bromance.
