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While research suggests that having men friends in early adulthood can help buffer men against stress, It seems rare these days for men to have long-lasting and intimate friendships. Declining involvement in civic or religious organizations, lower marriage rates, changes in the workplace, and societal pressures to conform to a particular model of masculinity can hamper intimacy, experts say. Psychologist Fred Rabinowitz says the strong silent stereotype can keep men from recognizing their social and emotional needs. Relationship expert Daniel Ellenberg says social taboos and vigilance against showing their “softer” side mean many men tend to look more to women for emotional support. Rabinowitz notes that intimacy can grow from sharing during “side by side play”, like golf. Organizations devoted to helping men build self-awareness and connection, like the Mankind Project, can help men realize they’re not alone in their desire for authentic connection with other men, says Ellenberg.
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