It’s a new year so we thought we’d get back to basics and answer the foundational question that launched this podcast – how exactly do you make a friend? In the first of this two-part episode, we talk about taking inventory of your existing network to find potential friends that are hiding in plain sight. In next week’s episode, we’re gonna increase the degree of difficulty, and talk about how to meet complete freakin’ strangers and turn them into buddies. You got this!!

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Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Most people make resolutions in various areas of their lives, vow to join the gym, which usually lasts all of 3 weeks, vow to save x number of dollars that we fall woefully short of while we rack up credit card debt, but very few of us include our friendship goals into our resolutions. We want to normalize that. So please include one friendship related resolution for 2025.

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Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

The guys celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah with some holiday friendship tips, including the “one hour’s salary” rule for buying gifts for your buddies, and offering “friendship amnesty” to any pals you might have beef with. They also discuss the etiquette of sending holidays cards and Karo’s recent journey to see Taylor Swift. Happy Holidays MOTY crew!!

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Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

People often think they need to make a concrete plan that involves a location and an activity, but we found a hack that seems to work. Friends benefit from lowering the barrier and just putting out the open call, aka posting up. Just telling people where you're gonna be and make it real easy for them to hang or just swing by.

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Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Fireflies, Butterflies, and Wallflowers, oh my! Karo and Matt discuss the different friendship styles, as outlined in a fantastic quiz by New York Times reporter Natalie Proulx. They also debate whether people who are good at foosball are tools and whether people who play Magic the Gathering are called Magic the Gatherers.

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Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

In this episode, we tackle the challenges of navigating friend group dynamics when different social circles collide. Should you keep them separate to avoid awkwardness, merge them into one big happy group, or find a balance somewhere in between? We explore the pros and cons of each approach, share tips for managing potential conflicts, and discuss how to create a space where everyone feels comfortable. Whether you're planning a party, introducing new friends, or dealing with unexpected overlap, we've got you covered!

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Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Tonight is Karo and Matt’s Super Bowl – their annual dinner at Peter Luger in Brooklyn with their childhood friends at which the iconic Man of the Year trophy will be awarded. The guys discuss the origins of the trophy, the importance of creating rituals with your buddies, and Karo jumps the gun by referring to this as their 22nd annual dinner, when it’s actually only the 21st...

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Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

We have a viewpoint on the pod that you are better served to assume the best of intentions for your friends even when they mess up. It's the better way to friend. Why, well here are just a few reasons: Trust is the foundation of any strong friendship. Assuming the best helps to maintain and build trust between you and your friends. Enhances Communication: When you assume the best, you're more likely to communicate openly and honestly, fostering better understanding and resolving conflicts more easily. Promotes Positivity: A positive outlook can lead to a more optimistic and supportive social circle, benefiting everyone involved. Reduces Misunderstandings: Misinterpreting a friend's actions or words negatively can lead to unnecessary conflicts. Assuming the best helps to prevent such misunderstandings. Encourages Support: Believing in your friends' good intentions can make you more supportive and empathetic, strengthening the bond between you. #maleadultfriendship #scaredtobevulnerable #adultfriendship #socialfitness #howtomakefriends

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com

Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X