The Man Panel

Posted on | April 25, 2009 |

Last night I was at the Man Panel, moderated by its creator, Laura Warrell, talking about the six archetypes of love - and what a lot of fun it was! The panel itself, six men, sat on a stage and faced a room full of women (well, there were a few men out there, I think…) and discussed the idea of archetypes and whether or not they could see themselves in the descriptions, and what it all meant in terms of relationships. The conversation, as you might expect, was free-ranging and never for a second dull. There were enthusiastic nods of recognition, spirited questions, and plentiful gusts of laughter. In fact it was everything a discussion of sex, love and relationships should be.

Think about that for a moment - most of the conversations we have about dating and the challenges and disappointments of it are likely to occur in a small group. Look in any bar on a Saturday night and you’ll see what I mean; often tucked away in a corner. We tell our troubles to our friends and we get some understanding, perhaps, and some pity. And that’s fine. But a group discussion such as this takes these conversations out of the corners. Suddenly we can see we’re not alone, and we’re not weird, and it feels good to be able to speak out about our - well - frustrations. That’s what I observed last night.

The result? Energy and empowerment. Where private conversations can lead, sometimes, to depression and gloom this public forum mobilized energy and courage. And if we’re to seek, find, and grow an intimate relationship we’re going to need that courage and that determination, every bit of it.

So gratitude to Laura Warrell as the genius who created this. Thanks to Kristin who provided the gifts, and a special thanks to the wonderful guys on the panel, who were open, articulate, intelligent, and at times hilariously insightful.

The next Man Panel will be on May 29th. You’d do well to be there.

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