In my last blog I put down I had decided to attend the next Mankind Project meeting in my area.

I thought putting my decision down in this somewhat public forum would be a good way to help keep me from changing my mind.

I'm sure to many who've done and know MKP well, or are even used to men's groups from their church or other situations, my hand-wringing must look silly.

This joining a group to be with other men in brotherhood and support is totally alien to me. Other men have always been, well, other men. A source of shame and unhappiness, something to be avoided.

A big sticking point to me was telling my wife. I must say she's being very supportive of my attempts to reach out man-wise and be social, going out with other guys now and then who are out of our social sphere and her knowledge. I was not sure how she was going to react, especially given some bad press MKP has received.

And yes, I do care what she thinks; she is my partner, the most important person in my life. I was not asking her permission, I merely told her I found about this group here on this site, and that I decided to go to a meeting of its local chapter. Simple as that.

She was totally fine with it. She even joked, asking if there was going to be a drum circle.

So I'm going tonight. Yes, it's only one meeting. No big deal. But it's a step in a direction, a new one for me.