I’m so unbelievably jealous right now of these old English dudes that have nearly 57 years of beers under their belt together. Malcolm Gladwell wrote a whole book about this exact same concept – consuming 10,000 beers together makes these guys experts on friendship and crushing pints and the satisfaction that comes with decades-long loyalty.
Staying in touch with your buddies is something I’m really passionate about and a primary reason why I maintain the Bi Monthly Pizza Club with a handful of select friends.
We don’t meet every Thursday but instead once every two months. That’s because it’s America and we’re spread out more than the densely populated United Kingdom and also to accommodate young kids and developing careers etc.
Point is though we meet once every two months on a strict schedule to eat pizza and drink beer and talk about current events in a structured format. I administer meeting notes and and facilitate the discussion into group decisions for each talking point.
For example – does the Bi Monthly Pizza Club support increased property taxes?
No the Bi Monthly Pizza Club does NOT support increased property taxes.
Stuff like that.
And you know what? I look forward to the date with immense anticipation because I know each club meeting is a great time with close friends and a lively discussion.
End of the day, that’s the best feeling in the world that doesn’t involve your nuclear family. That’s the stuff that makes me feel the richest. Hanging with old buddies on a random wednesday crushing a thin crust and busting balls reigns supreme.
That’s why I admire these British lads so much.
Almost 57 years of hanging out is like looking at Cy Young’s career numbers. Just sheer unfathomable range and depth to the volume of accomplishments. And while absolutely impossible to replicate, it shouldn’t prevent you from carving out your own social legacy with close pals.
To me that’s 6 designated pizza meetings per year and that’s been a good starting point.
Ultimately I want to expand to monthly with different locations but you have to start somewhere.
So call your buddies and get something on the books at your convenience. The sooner you do it the better because one day you’ll look up and half your friend group will be gone. Some are in Nashville. Others moved with their girls back to where they grew up. Time zones start to become a consideration in the group chat and then it starts slowing down all together. So sign up for a bowling league and start making monthly plans at best before you lose the opportunity to even establish a tradition.
Otherwise I swear one day it will be too late and that would fucking suck.