In his book “The Adventure: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Awakening”, Steve Taylor recommends the practice which he has termed “radical friendliness”. When waiting in a line at a shop or train station, Steve encourages the making of a friendly remark to the person next to you, or starting a conversation with a taxi-driver, fellow passenger at the airport, or the clerk or waiter who serves you. In this way, Steve encourages us to build a network of connections each day and create ripples of goodwill which strengthen as they spread. On The HaPenis Project, I have noted many comments from men eager to develop relationships with other men, whether friendships, bromances or sexual encounters. Perhaps committing to radical friendship would be the way to start, with members of the HaPenis community endeavouring to offer those first words of greeting, friendly nod, welcoming smile or gentle touch to the men we encounter each day. Who knows what bonds of friendship may emerge and where those bonds might lead? – Hugh Braceland
I met guys in queues at the cinema, at the lighthouse and even walking around the city center… With some I even had sex, others I kissed and caressed and with the majority, a beautiful and fruitful conversation…
There are also friendships in the gym showers… It’s fun to have sex with guys in these environments, because we’re already naked and an erection is the green light for invitations to the shower
My spouse often accuses me of striking up conversations with perfect strangers. One couple in DC we meet at a museum, later that night ran into them at the opera.and ended up having dinner together afterwards.
Next morning encountered him in the hotel gym. We had seen and talked enough that we sensed our gayness and ended up getting off together on the showers. All from a casual conversation. For the last 20+ years have vacationed together every couple of years. One cruise we shared nearly wore both of us out. Haha!
Thanks for the story, Mark. Great example of a casual conversation developing into a much deeper and more meaningful connection. I hope you and your friend continue to enjoy each other in the years ahead: physically and emotionally.