🤝 Why Strong Friendships in Sports Like Fencing Matter Deeply
Fencing isn’t just about blades and footwork—it’s about trust, respect, and connection. When you fægter for sjov, the friendships you build become the soul of the experience. Here’s why they matter:
1. Shared Growth and Support
In fencing, you’re constantly learning. Having friends by your side means you’re not alone in your progress. You celebrate each other’s wins, and you lift each other through setbacks. That mutual support creates a safe space to grow—not just as athletes, but as people.
2. Emotional Resilience
Fencing can be intense. You win, you lose, you get frustrated. But when you have strong friendships, you have people who understand what you’re going through. They help you stay grounded, laugh off mistakes, and keep going. That’s emotional armor.
3. Trust and Respect
Every duel starts with a salute. That’s not just tradition—it’s a symbol of respect. When you fægter for sjov with people you trust, you know they’re there to challenge you, not hurt you. That trust builds deeper bonds and makes the sport feel safe and meaningful.
4. Belonging and Joy
A fencing club isn’t just a place to train—it’s a community. When you build strong friendships, you feel like you belong. You look forward to practice not just for the sport, but for the people. That joy is what keeps you coming back.
đźš« Why Narcissistic Behavior Destroys More Than It Builds
Using narcissistic methods:
Like manipulating others, seeking constant admiration, or putting your ego above the team might give short-term results, but it comes at a steep cost. You will never know if people like you? you will always doubt your worth and there is no way back it:
1. It Breaks Trust
Narcissistic behavior often involves using others for personal gain. In fencing, where trust is everything, this creates tension and alienation. Teammates stop seeing you as a partner and start seeing you as a threat.
2. It Blocks Growth
When you’re obsessed with being seen as “the best,” you stop learning. You avoid feedback, deny mistakes, and blame others. That mindset traps you in your own ego and prevents real improvement.
3. It Damages Mental Health
Narcissism feeds on external validation. But when that validation fades—as it always does—you’re left feeling empty. Athletes who rely on narcissistic defenses often struggle with anxiety, burnout, and loneliness.
4. It Undermines the Spirit of the Game
Fencing is built on honor, respect, and sportsmanship. Narcissistic behavior—like cheating, belittling others, or refusing to lose gracefully—goes against everything the sport stands for. It turns a beautiful art into a toxic competition.
5. It Hurts You as a Person
Most importantly, narcissism isolates you. It pushes away genuine connection and replaces it with shallow admiration. You lose the chance to build real friendships, to grow through humility, and to experience the joy of fencing for fun with others who care.
🌱 Final Thought
To fence for fun, is to embrace the sport with humility, laughter, and love. It’s about growing together, not standing above others. Strong friendships in fencing are forged in sweat, respect, and shared joy. And when you choose connection over ego, you don’t just become a better fencer—you become a better human.