When Men Show Up for Each Other: A Night to Remember
- Norris Frederick
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
When Men Show Up for Each Other, A Night to Remember.
Last night, The Circle gathered and for the first time, every single seat was taken.
But if I’m being honest, just a few hours before, I wasn’t sure anyone was going to show up. I kept wondering if maybe this was too much. Too vulnerable of a space for men to step into. We live in a world that tells men to keep it together, to push their feelings aside, to “man up” instead of open up. Part of me feared that the weight of what we were about to do would keep people away. I imagined sitting in that room with only a handful of chairs filled, wondering if I had pushed too hard against what we’ve all been taught.
And then, one by one, they walked in.
I’ll never forget that shift. Some shook hands, others gave a quick nod, and a few went straight for the coffee. It didn’t matter if they were meeting for the first time, every single one of them was carrying a story. Some you could see in their eyes, and some you’d never know until they started speaking.
We began with introductions: name, what’s been going well, and something they needed help or support with. On paper, that might sound simple. In reality, it’s anything but that. Because when a man answers honestly, he’s doing something most of us were never taught to do, he’s letting someone in.
That’s when the walls started coming down. We heard about relationship struggles, career pressures, the weight of always being “the strong one,” and the exhaustion that comes from keeping it all together on the outside while crumbling on the inside. There were stories of wins to new opportunities, personal breakthroughs, and moments of gratitude.
What struck me most was how quickly strangers became allies. A man would share something raw, and without hesitation, others would say, “I’ve been there,” or “I’m going through that too.” It’s powerful to watch how a shared struggle can dissolve the space between two people in seconds.
At one point, someone said, “I didn’t know how much I needed this until I walked through the door.” That sentence has been stuck in my head ever since. Because here’s the truth: men need this. We need spaces where we can take off the armor for a while, speak without judgment, and realize that vulnerability is not weakness it’s the truest form of strength.
When the night ended, no one rushed out. Guys lingered. Conversations kept going in little clusters around the room. Some exchanged numbers. Some just said, “See you next time,” with a smile that said they meant it.
I left with my heart full. Full because I saw men leave lighter than they came in. Full because I know that for 90 minutes, every single man in that room felt seen, heard, and valued.
If you were there last night thank you. You brought more than just your presence. You brought honesty, courage, and heart.
If you weren’t there… I hope you’ll be with us next time.
The next Circle will be Thursday, September 18th. Doors open at 6:00 PM for light bites and conversation. The meeting begins at 6:30 PM sharp. Seats will be limited again and after last night, I don’t think they’ll be available for long. Sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/Qb3gZCdSP9ewSQYQ7.
Because when men show up for each other, lives change. And maybe next time, that life will be yours.
