My husband has a boyfriend. No, my husband is not gay, but he is involved in a “bromance.”
A bromance, for those of you unfamiliar with such “bromantic” comedies as I Love You Man, Wedding Crashers and anything else in the esteemed Paul-Rudd-Vince-Vaughan-Owen-Wilson canon, is a close platonic relationship between two heterosexual males, according to CNN, the obvious authority on such matters.
I recently realized my husband was involved in a bromance with a co-worker, after years of hearing my spouse mention this co-worker in conversation. For a while, it seemed like Chris Champine (pronounced sham-pine) was all my husband talked about. It was ‘Chris-Champine-this’ and ‘Chris-Champine-that.’ It was…
“I’m going into work early today to meet Chris Champine for breakfast.”
“Chris Champine is a really talented artist.”
“Chris Champine and I are working on a script.”
“We should have Chris Champine and his wife over for dinner.”
Chris Champine. Interesting how close this guy’s name is to the word champagne. How romantic!
As dubious and snarky as I may sound about my husband’s relationship with Chris (pictured above, at left), I’m actually grateful for it: Chris gives Eric (my husband, in the ball cap, above) another reason to look forward to work. Chris Champine offers a break in my husband’s hectic workday. Chris Champine is a vent, a confidant, and with his film noir looks, a partner in crime. They commiserate with one another and support each other’s creative pursuits. (Eric is a writer.)
If Chris and Eric’s experience is any indication, bromances are clearly good for workplace morale. Bromances improve job satisfaction. Bromances make male employees happier and more productive. I would even venture to bet that bromances can boost the bottom line.
And that’s why I believe corporations should actively encourage office bromances. They can do so through mentoring programs, corporate softball teams, company outings to sporting events and tours of micro-breweries. Let a thousand flowers bloom!
Still not sold on the value of office bromances? Well, improved morale isn’t the only benefit. Office bromances can also play a critical role in career development. A genuine bromance with the boss, for example, could pave the way for a promotion, distinguish your political power inside your organization, or give you more leverage in salary or budget negotiations.
So strike up an office bromance today! Who will be your Chris Champine?
