Friendships definitely play an important role in life. And not just for women. Men may not admit it to everyone they meet, but their friends are really indispensable to them. And it’s definitely not just about having someone to drink with in the pub. Real friendships are about something else entirely. Men need someone to talk to too. To confide in. For a lot of men, that’s rare.

Unfortunately, according to a recent American Survey report, men today have far fewer social connections than they used to. Only 27% of men reportedly said they had at least 6 close friends four years ago, compared to 55% in 1990. This suggests that men today do not have as many close friends around them. This may understandably affect their sense of happiness, but also their health.

How to make friends?

For some it is quite simple, for others it can be extremely difficult. How should men make new friends? Experts say that the key is to find an activity where you can get to know other men. Daniel Ellenberg, a relationship expert said that men usually start talking about their cars first and then the conversation moves into their relationships as well. Finding a common topic is therefore such an imaginary stepping stone.

And how is it that friendships are not so easy to form today? Men are less involved in civic or religious organizations and there are fewer marriages. Working from home or working away from home is also increasingly common. The Covid pandemic hasn’t exactly helped this trend. Yet friendships between men are really important.

━━ ( Source: Matheus Ferrero /  Unsplash+ )

Why friendships are important

Friendships between men are really important for several reasons. People who surround themselves with others are less likely to experience the social isolation that is associated with disease. Strong friendships act as a buffer against risk. In addition, men who have friends are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure.

Men who have several friends are also more successful in their professional and personal lives. Because friends support them. In times of crisis, they are more resilient. Friends offer emotional and practical support whenever needed. Close friendships also help men develop better communication, and knowing that they are not alone in this certainly fosters a deeper sense of belonging and meaningfulness in life.

The crisis of friendship

The fact that men don’t have true friends these days is troubling for several reasons. Did you know that the consequences are truly alarming? The decline in the closeness of male friendships has resulted in far more suicides among men. According to the data, men commit suicide almost four times more often than women. In addition, they are 2-3 times more likely to struggle with substance abuse.

Loneliness may also be a problem. But most alarming is the number of incarcerated men. Did you know that 93% of the prison population in the United States is male? Yet often their criminality stems from unmet emotional needs and a lack of support systems. Many commit crimes simply because they are lonely and unloved.