Friends, we all have them, some have many, others have few. However, there has been a declining trend in male friendships, which can lead to greater problems in the future. Before you continue reading this, think about how many close friends you have who know everything about you. Most men can count the number of friends on one hand. This is not always a good sign. Keep on reading to discover everything about the declining rate of male friendships and how to make sure that you and your boys are as close as possible without making it weird!
Male Friendships have been declining
Over the past years, there have been a lot of improvements in gender norms. It is more normal for men to be vulnerable and speak their minds more often. The world has also started looking more into men’s mental health and how they are doing in today’s societies. Despite that, men report that they have fewer close friendships, with 15% saying they lack any close friends. This is a sharp rise from just 3% in 1990.
Why are Good Friends so Important for Men?
The numbers might have lowered. However, the need for them is just as high. Having close friends, or friends they claim to be close with, is important to men’s well-being and being able to have a happy life. Having a tighter relationship with other men can improve your mental health, reduce stress, and give you a better feeling about yourself. However, these relationships are often built on traits like open communication and vulnerability, which are usually ascribed to women.
Tips on improving your friendships!
Are you struggling to get some friendships to a deeper level, but do you crave friends to know a little bit more about you? Or do you want to make sure that your group of friends can be there for each other in the more serious moments of life? Then there are some things you can do to improve your friendships!
Experts suggest men can strengthen their bonds through shared activities, openness, and intentional connection. As societal stigma around male intimacy fades, embracing these tools can help men reap the emotional and mental health benefits of strong friendships. So get your friends together and crack open a cold one to talk about some life drama!