Male Friendship 101: David, Jon, & Iron MikeSample

1 Samuel 19:3, "And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you."

Jonathan had David's back. Even when challenged by the king, Jonathan was there for David—loyal and brave. Jonathan is the kind of friend we all need.

There are three types of friendships: loyal friends, partners, and mentors.

Loyal friends are your ride-or-die. Loyal friends will always have your back—no matter what. When you're high, they are flying high with you, and when you're low, they are there to pick you up. They are on your side, regardless if you're right or wrong.

Partners want you to succeed. They are in the trenches with you. Together, pursuing a common mission, they are ready to take the next hill. They can look, feel, and even talk like friends, except there is one difference . . . they'll choose the mission if it ever comes down between you and the mission.

Mentors are wiser, sharper, and typically older men. Mentors are men who have covered a lot of ground and lived to tell about it. Let them tell you about it. After all, a mentor wants the man to be at his best because he knows that the mission is most successful when the man is at his best.

Lesson: We all need a healthy balance of loyal friends, partners, and mentors. Too many loyal friends, and you'll never be challenged. Too many partners, and you'll never feel secure. Mentors? Find as many as you can!