June is Men’s Mental Health month, a time to talk openly about the emotional well-being of men. Male friendship is one of the most powerful sources of support in a man’s life. Let’s dig into why these friendships matter and how to keep them strong.
Why is it so hard for men to build male friendships?
Many American men are experiencing a “friendship recession” with growing loneliness and fewer close connections. A 2021 survey found that 15% of men reported having no close friends, five times higher than in 1990. Men are also less likely than women to seek emotional support from friends. But why?
Many men struggle to build male friendships because of how they were socialized. From a young age, boys are taught to associate masculinity with strength, independence and emotional control. As they grow up, they often suppress vulnerability – a key ingredient for close friendships.
While little boys may be open and affectionate, society discourages emotional openness in men, labeling it as weak or unmanly. This makes it difficult for adult men to express care or lean on friends for emotional support.
Even though many men crave meaningful connection, they often feel uncomfortable opening up, unsure how to initiate or maintain close friendships. Some avoid showing emotion altogether, which prevents bonds from deepening.
3 reasons why male friendship matters
Male friendships really matter, more than we often realize. Here’s how:
Less stress, less loneliness:
Having good male friends can ease feelings of isolation, which is often linked to stress, addiction and even serious health issues. When men have someone to lean on, they feel less overwhelmed and it helps lower stress hormones.
Better emotional health
Friends help keep your emotional health strong. A big part of this comes from simple connection: talking, laughing, sharing, all of which trigger feel-good hormones like oxytocin.
Space to open up
Male friendships give men a safe space to share and practice being open without judgment. Sometimes, talking to a male friend feels easier than opening up to a partner and that kind of support helps build emotional strength over time.
4 easy steps for men to stay connected with male friends
Practice vulnerability, even if it makes you uncomfortable
Friendship grows deeper when we let our guard down. It could be as simple as telling a friend “I really appreciate you” or “It meant a lot when you checked in.”
You don’t have to say too much, just try sharing one thing you’re struggling with or give someone a small compliment. A little honesty can open the door to deeper connection.
Don’t assume friendship happens organically
Friendships in adulthood need effort. If you want more connection, be more active. Join a club, a sports group, a local event or even create your own space like a monthly hangout. Keep showing up. The more people see you, the easier it is to build something real.
Use shared activities to bond
Men often connect best through doing things together. Invite a friend to join you for a run, a game night, a concert or just lunch. These moments make it easier to talk naturally, especially for those who don’t love deep conversations right away.
Stay in touch even with small check-ins
A quick text like “How everything is going on” or “That show reminded me of you” can mean more than you think. Just showing you care helps maintain closeness over time. These small check-ins are what keep friendships alive.
Want to build stronger friendships while having a good time? At Lotus – your trusted NDIS provider Gold Coast, we’ve got shared activities designed to help men connect, laugh and support each other to form male friendship. Come join us, your next great mate might just be waiting!
