Thirty years ago, 55 percent of men said they had at least 6 close friends. Today, that number is 27%. Almost half of what it used to be. While the pandemic certainly exacerbated the problem, this decline has been going on for 3 decades. Research suggests that having a healthy support system is important for mental health, decreasing stress and anxiety as well as our physical health. So, what is going on? Why is it so hard for men to have deep relationships with other men? And maybe the more important question, how do we develop them?
Thirty years ago, 55 percent of men said they had at least 6 close friends. Today, that number is 27%. Almost half of what it used to be. While the pandemic certainly exacerbated the problem, this decline has been going on for 3 decades. Research suggests that having a healthy support system is important for mental health, decreasing stress and anxiety as well as our physical health. So, what is going on? Why is it so hard for men to have deep relationships with other men? And maybe the more important question, how do we develop them?