Especially as we get older, men often have fewer close male friendships. Yet, according to research, we crave intimacy in our friendships just as much as women.
Worst of all, this lack of close relationships could be very, very bad for us. Prolonged loneliness can have serious consequences for cognition, emotion, behavior, and health—and may even speed up physiological aging.
Growing up, most men are pretty motivated to learn how to approach and talk to women. It’s a natural part of becoming an adult (heterosexual) male—and even though it’s far from easy for everyone, the rules of engagement are clearer. For this reason, many men find that in their adult years, they are still far more comfortable talking to women—even in a platonic situation.
If you crave more male friendships in your life but feel anxious or uncertain about how to do it, don’t worry—there is hope.
