Welcome back to MenPlus40, gentlemen.

Today, our journey dives into the topics of "daddy issues" and "father wounds."

While these terms may seem similar, they each carry unique meanings and consequences.

Let's unpack them.

"Daddy issues" is a phrase often utilised in pop culture with a negative undertone to signify behavioural and psychological trends that emerge from problematic father-child relationships.

Contrastingly, the term "father wound" is a more professional term used in psychology and therapeutic fields to depict the emotional and psychological damage caused by an absent, neglectful, or abusive father.

While "daddy issues" is commonly used in a dismissive manner, the term "father wound" emphasises healing and recovery.

It's crucial to acknowledge that the father wound is not specific to any gender. It can affect both men and women, with varying manifestations influenced by numerous factors.

Let's consider three ways the father wound can manifest in both men and women.

Men afflicted with a father wound may experience difficulty with emotional intimacy and connection. An emotionally distant or dismissive father can lead to challenges in expressing emotions, including anger.

Another presentation of the father wound in men is struggles with self-esteem and identity.

In cases where a father was absent, abusive, or neglectful, profound insecurities about self-worth can form. Some men may overcompensate through excessive assertiveness, aggression, or substance abuse to deal with feelings of inadequacy.

Moreover, fear of failure or rejection can be significant in men with a father wound.

A hypercritical or dismissive father can instil an intense fear of not meeting expectations, leading to avoidance of situations that might result in failure or rejection or developing perfectionistic behaviours.

Now, let's examine three manifestations of the father wound in women.

Women dealing with a father wound might struggle with insecure attachment styles in relationships.

Experiences of abandonment or betrayal by their fathers can set the stage for unhealthy relationship patterns.

They might find themselves attracted to emotionally unavailable or abusive partners, echoing their father-daughter dynamics.

A second manifestation is struggles with self-esteem and self-worth.

Like men, women grappling with a father wound might endure feelings of low self-worth, leading to a continuous need for external validation, difficulty in asserting themselves, or enduring harmful situations due to a belief that they do not merit better.

Furthermore, women with a father wound may harbour a deep-seated fear of abandonment.

This fear can trigger clingy or possessive behaviours in relationships and heightened sensitivity to criticism or rejection, which they might perceive as affirming their perceived unworthiness.

Now, let's pose an intriguing question.

Might a person who disregards or derides the concept of the father wound in women have their own unaddressed father issues?

The answer could be yes, but it's not a guarantee.

A man who trivialises or criticises the concept of the father wound in women may indeed be grappling with his own unresolved father-related issues, whether he's aware of it or not.

Yet, we must also consider that societal attitudes, personal beliefs, or simply lack of understanding can shape one's viewpoints.

Reacting to the father wound in others can be multifaceted.

Some might resist or become defensive because recognising the reality of the father wound could force them to face their own painful pasts.

But we should avoid hastily diagnosing someone's psychological state based on their opinions.

Promoting respectful conversation to comprehend the underlying reasons behind their views can be far more productive.

Remember, understanding these concepts can cultivate empathy and support for those affected.

Also, it's crucial to establish personal boundaries and maintain self-awareness of your own behaviours.

When you next hear someone deriding people with daddy issues, consider the possibility that they might be attracting such individuals due to their own unresolved issues with their father.

Remember, you often attract what you are.

Until next time, stay safe!

Welcome back to MenPlus40.

In part one, we explored the traits of the female narcissist in relationships, including the overlap with BPD.

In this episode, we're going to discuss their behaviour in business and friendships.

So, let's jump right in.

In a business setting, a female narcissist might use various manipulative behaviours to satisfy her needs and achieve her goals.

Here are five tactics she might use:

Taking credit for others' work: She may convince others that the success belongs to her, seeking recognition while undermining her targets' contributions.

Manipulating office dynamics: She may use gossip, spread rumours, or engage in backstabbing behaviours to manipulate the office environment and control the perception of her targets.

Exploiting relationships: They may develop relationships with influential individuals for personal gain, flatter excessively, or exploit vulnerabilities to form alliances that benefit their interests.

Undermining and sabotaging others: she might engage in covert tactics to undermine targets and sabotage their success, creating a competitive advantage for herself.

Exploiting empathy and compassion: She may play the victim, manipulate others' sympathy to gain special treatment, favours, or leniency.

Being aware of such manipulative tactics and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial in a business setting.

Now, let's examine manipulations in friendships with men and women:

In friendships with men, she might use flattery, charm, or seductive behaviour to manipulate them. Emotional manipulation, exploiting resources, testing loyalty and control, and triangulation are common tactics.

In friendships with women, she might use devaluation, gaslighting, emotional bonding, covert competition, and isolation to control them.

Remember, these tactics are not exclusive to female narcissists and can be exhibited by anyone. Also, not all friendships involving female narcissists will involve manipulative behaviour.

Welcome back to MenPlus40

Our focus today is the female narcissist.

Do note that parts of this information will overlap with the male narcissist as it's a shared pathology across both genders.

The goal here is to aid in fostering healthy relationships and identifying problematic behaviours.

Remember, prevention surpasses cure.

So, let's get started.

Firstly, we'll tackle male narcissists and their manipulative techniques.

Aggression and intimidation: They can employ overt tactics like aggression, intimidation, or confrontation to control others. This can involve using their physical presence and dominant behaviour to gain compliance.

Gaslighting is another tactic, aiming to distort the victim's reality, create self-doubt and confuse the victim by twisting facts and making them question their memories or perceptions.

Dominance is key for the male narcissist: They may strive to dominate others in different contexts, engage in power plays, attempt to control situations, and maintain a sense of superiority.

Lastly, narcissistic rage: Outbursts of anger or aggression when their control or superiority is threatened can be used to intimidate others into compliance.

Next, let's switch to Female Narcissists and their manipulation techniques and how they might differ.

Female narcissists might resort more to emotional manipulation, using guilt, sympathy, or the victim card to manipulate emotions and gain control.

Another method; using charm or seduction to manipulate, leveraging their perceived attractiveness or flirtatious behaviour to gain attention, admiration, or material benefits.

Some might favour Covert manipulation: subtle and indirect manipulation, like manipulating social dynamics or using passive-aggressive behaviour.

Vulnerable narcissists may resort to Victimhood manipulation: exploiting their perceived vulnerability to manipulate others, playing the victim, and using emotional manipulation to control and gain an advantage in relationships.

We take it a step further when a female narcissist also has Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), leading to a mix of narcissistic and borderline traits, resulting in unique manipulation tactics. Remember, not all individuals with BPD or narcissistic traits will be manipulative, but for those who are, here are some examples:

Splitting: Viewing people as either all good or all bad, they may idealise individuals to gain their favour, and then devalue them when they perceive a slight or rejection. This can create confusion and emotional instability in the targeted individuals.

Emotional manipulation is a common tactic, using intense emotional displays, guilt-tripping, or self-victimisation to gain power in relationships.

Fear of abandonment is a characteristic of BPD. Female narcissists with BPD may exploit this fear in others, using threats of abandonment to control and manipulate.

Impulsive behaviours are associated with BPD. A female narcissist with BPD might use impulsive actions to manipulate and control others emotionally. This can be used to get attention, sympathy, or to make others feel guilty or responsible for their well-being.

Then we have the cycles of Idealisation and devaluation: They might alternate between excessive praise, attention, and affection, and then devalue their targets by criticising, demeaning, or emotionally withdrawing.

Approaching these situations with empathy and understanding is key, as individuals with comorbid narcissism and BPD often grapple with emotional pain and insecurity. However, it's vital to establish and uphold strong boundaries when faced with manipulative behaviours.

The best course of action is no contact and moving on with your life. Don't waste time on revenge. Your best revenge is healing and living your best life.

In part 2, I'll discuss the scenarios in business settings and friendships.

Until next time.

Stay safe.

And remember, healthy relationships are the key to winning at life.

Frequently engrossed in grandiose thoughts, exhibiting superiority, arrogance, and a penchant to exploit others, today's episode of Men Plus 40 delves into narcissism. As the term 'narcissist' becomes increasingly bandied about, there's a significant lack of understanding about what it truly entails. Therefore, in this session, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the cluster B spectrum, which comprises various personality disorders characterised by dramatic, emotional, and erratic behaviour.

Let's begin with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Individuals with NPD harbour an inflated sense of self-importance, a craving for admiration, an absence of empathy, and an intense envy of others. They demonstrate a strong sense of entitlement and are often preoccupied with grandiose fantasies. To qualify for an NPD diagnosis, at least five of these traits should be present as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Next up, we discuss borderline personality disorder (BPD). People diagnosed with BPD typically engage in impulsive and reckless behaviour and suffer from severe mood swings. They struggle with emotional regulation, maintain unstable relationships, and frequently experience feelings of emptiness. Engaging in self-harm and having a distorted self-identity are also prevalent among these individuals. As with NPD, the DSM necessitates the presence of five traits for a BPD diagnosis.

Another disorder on the cluster B spectrum is histrionic personality disorder (HPD). Those with HPD are often overly dramatic, seek attention, and are emotionally charged. They are hypersensitive to criticism and struggle with understanding the boundaries of personal relationships.

Last but not least, we examine antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), sometimes referred to as psychopathy. Individuals with ASPD disregard others' rights, engage in criminal behaviour, deceive others, and feel no remorse for their actions. In contrast to the other disorders, ASPD requires at least three traits for diagnosis.

Co-occurrence, or comorbidity, of these disorders is also possible. For example, someone could have both NPD and BPD, or be a malignant narcissist displaying psychopathic traits. Over time, diagnostic patterns have evolved, with more men diagnosed with BPD and more women diagnosed with NPD. However, misdiagnosis and overlapping disorders are common.

The key to navigating relationships, for men and women alike, is understanding these traits. Trusting your gut instinct and recognising how another person's behaviour impacts you is crucial. If you find yourself attracting people exhibiting these traits, self-awareness and boundary setting are essential. Strengthening these can help repel such individuals.

However, remember that narcissists can target individuals with a strong sense of self too, making personal boundaries vital. The goal is to foster healthy relationships and communications. By identifying these red flags, you can ensure your safety. Good luck.

Gentlemen,

We begin with a candid reality check - not everyone is your ally or confidant. That doesn't mean they aren't good people. It just means they may not align with your ideals or perhaps share no common ground with you.

Your relationships can be a launchpad for success or a pitfall if you don't manage them properly.

The right woman will invigorate and support you, while the wrong choice can lead to unfortunate outcomes.

The right business partner can catalyse mutual success; the appropriate mentor can elevate you to the next level, and the right friends will ground you when things spiral out of control. And believe me, that day will come. Hence, preparedness is key.

But first, let's establish some clarity.

The dynamics of different relationships vary greatly.

While blood ties might make you related, it doesn't necessarily mean your family members are always loyal or ought to be part of your daily life.

Examine your relationships in these groups:

- Family

- Spouse

- Neighbours

- Peers

- Co-workers

- Employees

- Others

- Friends

Often, people are let down when they assume everyone, be it a friend or a family member, will always act in their best interest.

Yes, you have a choice. If a friend repeatedly brings you down, despite your best efforts to help, they become a liability. Real friends consider the consequences of their actions on you.

If a family member constantly drains your energy with toxic or self-sabotaging behaviour, remember that they are responsible for rectifying their actions, just as you and I are.

The same applies to a business partner who isn't carrying their weight or a spouse chosen hastily based on looks rather than character.

So, start with a notebook, list the most critical individuals in your life, and then categorise them into family, spouse, peers, co-workers, etc.

Remember, your co-worker or peer isn't necessarily your friend unless a strong bond has been developed.

The crux of the matter is this: having a few quality people at your side is more valuable than having a crowd of unreliable ones. If you have one good friend who stands by you, you are blessed. Two or more, and you've struck gold.

People often mistake casual acquaintances or professional contacts for friends. But ask yourself, when the chips are down, will they truly care about you? The harsh truth is, most won't.

You need to discern the people who genuinely value you from those who merely seek to capitalise on your success or resources.

It's crucial to note that not all "winner circles" are beneficial.

I run an agency with dozens of clients generating significant revenue each year. We prioritise aligning with clients who share our core values and foster a respectful environment.

Yes, we could earn more by compromising these principles, but the cost would be our peace of mind and the well-being of our team.

Business is a marathon, not a sprint. Quick money comes and goes just as fast.

The same principles apply to the conferences I organise each year. Most attendees are wonderful people, but a small fraction would do anything for personal gain.

Some winner circles are toxic, arrogant, and devoid of moral compass.

Thus, your inner circle needs careful selection as their character will influence yours.

At the end of the day, you must face the mirror and remember who you truly are.

In conclusion, focus on these five things:

- Observe their actions, not their words.

- Analyse how they treat others; are they consistent or only kind towards those with status or money?

- How do they speak of others when they aren't present?

And most importantly:

- Watch their behaviour over time. Time reveals all.

Although you can't choose your family, you can choose when and who you spend your time with.

True friends are those who:

- Keep you in check when you err.

- Stand by you no matter what.

- Speak the truth to you, no matter how hard.

- Defend your name in your absence.

- Celebrate your victories and support you in tough times.

If you desire such friends, you must also be willing to be that friend.

Remember, most betrayals come from within. Be ready to weed out any deceptive individuals.

Ensure you surround yourself with the right people.

Life is never perfect, but a loving home and a trustworthy team can make it much more fulfilling.

And remember, while blood might make you related, it's loyalty that makes you family.

Until next time.

Questions A Man Must Ask before Having Children

Welcome once again to Menplus40.

Deciding to have children is a monumental choice and responsibility.

It's vital to be cognisant and ready emotionally, mentally, and financially before welcoming children into your life.

A child requires a home filled with love, beginning with the parents.

Physical and emotional closeness are fundamental aspects of a thriving relationship.

The dynamics of intimacy might shift after the arrival of children, but it doesn't have to dissipate entirely.

Pregnancy and childbirth can introduce a multitude of challenges and alterations to intimacy.

The connection phase between mother and infant during the first 12 months is imperative.

Late nights, feeding, and additional responsibilities can influence intimacy.

Preserving emotional and physical intimacy is crucial for a resilient relationship and a nurturing environment for the child.

It's essential to have mature discussions about intimacy and address the needs of both partners.

Overlooking the relationship can resonate with the children.

Men and women have distinct biological and emotional requirements, resulting in a beautiful contrast.

Exchange of thoughts and comprehending each other's needs are fundamental.

Allocating time and space for each other is vital in sustaining intimacy.

The determination to prioritise intimacy rests with the couple.

In the end, a child needs a home overflowing with love.

Welcome once again to Menplus40.

The majority of people adhere to a prescribed set of rules or ideologies—religions, codes of conduct, and so forth.

But what about your fundamental values?

There's no harm in adopting certain guiding principles, as long as they genuinely resonate with your innermost values.

Blindly following ideologies can undermine your ability to think independently.

Take the time to delineate your core values and assess them against any philosophical or ethical frameworks you subscribe to. This will confirm if you're on the right path.

Most men would concur that having a purpose is pivotal for a meaningful life.

However, it's crucial to periodically examine your purpose to ensure you're not veering off course.

For instance, you might pursue your purpose with reckless abandon, leaving chaos in your wake, all the while lacking the self-awareness to recognise the impact of your actions.

Start with basic principles.

Morality: what's right and what's wrong?

It may sound simplistic, but this distinction often becomes blurred.

Depending on your beliefs, you might staunchly respect the unwritten rule of not encroaching on another man's partner while being willing to betray your own.

These decisions are yours to make, and yours alone.

You might also be willing to do whatever it takes to expand your business or ascend the corporate ladder, disregarding the wellbeing of others and pushing anyone aside who stands in your way.

An old adage in the music industry rings true: "Be careful on who you kick on the way up and you don't know who you will meet on the way down."

Based on how you conduct yourself, you might find a hungry pack of wolves awaiting your fall.

People have long memories.   

What are your standards?

Do you apply these equally to yourself and others, or are you selectively adopting what benefits you?

What are your boundaries?

Are you cognisant enough not to infringe upon others' boundaries?

A boundary is only effective if it carries consequences and is upheld.

Are you ready to accept the repercussions for overstepping others' boundaries?

How disciplined are you?

Discipline extends beyond work and fitness. It also encompasses self-control in your personal life.

If you lack this kind of discipline, you can be easily manipulated.

One of the most valuable qualities a man can possess is control over his sexual desires, which leads to improved decision-making.

This will not only make you less susceptible to manipulation, but it will also garner you respect from many women, even if some may find it frustrating.

Do you possess agency?

Or do you allow yourself to be easily provoked, losing your self-control?

Allowing someone to stir your emotions places them in control of your peace.

Are you congruent?

Do your actions match your words?

It's easy to profess that you'll protect and provide, but can you deliver on that promise?

Do you earn enough to support your family single-handedly, regardless of whether your partner works?

Have you ever faced real danger or trained in a combat sport?

Be honest with yourself.

If you fall short in these areas, that's okay. Recognise your shortcomings and work towards improvement.

Do your habits enhance your life?

Or are they detrimental to yourself and others?

Who do you look up to?

Do your role models' values align with yours?

Some might idolise figures like Genghis Khan. Depending on your perspective of history, you might see him as a ruthless destroyer of families and a potential psychopath. Did all the women he impregnated do so willingly, or were they simply trying to survive?

While we may never know the answers to these questions, it's crucial to exercise independent thought and discernment.

Your personal moral philosophy is a fluid construct, continually evolving over time.

Reflect on these questions and be truthful with yourself. This exercise can greatly enhance your self-awareness.

Now, I'll share my own moral philosophy. It may serve as a helpful starting point for drafting your own.

Craft your moral philosophy, commit it to memory, and live by it. You may falter occasionally and stray from your path, but having this foundation provides something to return to when you need guidance.

Welcome back to A MenPlus40! In this thought-provoking video, we delve into the fascinating topic of needs versus wants. Join us as we explore Maslow's hierarchy of needs and how it applies to various aspects of your life. Understanding the distinction between these two can help you make better decisions and determine what truly matters to you.

We start by breaking down Maslow's pyramid, beginning with the essential physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter. Moving up the pyramid, we touch upon safety, love and belonging, self-esteem, and finally, self-actualisation. Each stage holds significance in our quest for fulfilment and purpose.

Using examples like a six-pack, watches, and a sports car, we dive deeper into the motivations behind our desires. Are we seeking these things for ourselves or to impress others? It's crucial to consider the underlying reasons and potential long-term benefits before pursuing such aspirations.

Moreover, we explore the concept of investing in status symbols versus investing in personal growth. While flashy possessions may attract attention, true value lies in the skills, knowledge, and connections we develop along the way. We discuss how certain investments can enhance our networking capabilities or establish credibility in our chosen fields.

However, it's important to recognise that achieving and maintaining these desires often requires effort and sacrifices. Whether it's the dedication to fitness for a great physique or the financial responsibilities associated with owning a sports car, there are commitments involved. We discuss the importance of realistic expectations and planning for the future.

We also emphasise the notion that a healthy body and mind cannot be bought but must be earned through hard work and discipline. Regardless of our current financial circumstances, we explore alternative ways to create advantages for ourselves, such as focusing on physical fitness as a foundation for confidence.