What really happens at ANZA’s Secret Men’s Group?

It’s perhaps fair to say that you can get a gaggle of women together and within five minutes they’ll be the best of friends. Scientific research has proven that females find same-sex social interactions to be more rewarding than males, and that guys are more prone to adopt “report talk,” while girls gravitate more towards “rapport talk.”

But that’s not to say that men don’t need a bit of man-time every now and then. The pandemic has shown us just how essential communication, support and friendships are for all genders to live a healthy life, which is why Secret Men’s Business (SMB) is one of ANZA’s most important social groups.

Like-minded blokes
SMB is for men who are looking to catch up with like-minded, friendly blokes. The group’s main activity is golf, usually on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Orchid Country Club, Sembawang Country Club or Warren Golf and Country Club. Due to Covid restrictions, golf takes place in lower numbers, as does squash, cycling, and tennis. If you just fancy some chat over a few beers, drinks and lunch events also take place.

“Settling into a new country can be difficult if you don’t know many people, especially for trailing spouses, so SMB aims to to help you in this area,” says group organiser, Patrick Taylor.

A survey by Relationships Australia found that more men than women had noclose friends outside their long-term relationship
Statistics courtesy of healthline.com * Images provided prior to pandemic restrictions

If sport and talk are not your thing, SMB also has a charitable side pitching in with working bees and passing the hat or fundraising for their designated charity, Melrose Home Children’s Aid Society.

Male ANZA members old and new are all welcome. As for the secret part of SMB, it remains shrouded in mystery until you join up. You can be rest assured that what happens at SMB, stays at SMB!

What The Science Says Men with more social connections have:

• Less stress
• Lower blood pressureLower body mass index (BMI)
• Less experience of depression
• A life span of up to 22 percent longer

Log onto anza.org.sg/groups/secret-mens-business/ to find out more.