Men With Friends

A collage of male friendships
Ariela Basson/Fatherly; Getty Images, Shutterstock

Male friendship is in crisis. Got your attention? Good. Because if you’re a man, you probably immediately knew there’s truth there. American men who view themselves as having “no close friends” have quintupled over the last 30 years, and only 15% of men consider themselves as having 10 or more close friends (compared to 40% in 1990). There are consequences to this decline. Men with friends are fitter, are happier, live longer, make more money, and are less anxious. Let’s face it: They also have more fun. So what to do? Let’s start with what we’ve got. Let’s celebrate male friendships, look closely at what makes ours tick, and then stop thinking so hard and go grab a beer with a friend — for your own good.

Bring It In

Can’t We All Just Hug Each Other?

ByJohn DeVore

I was one of many who were taught, implicitly or not, that men shouldn’t express themselves that way. I’m slowly learning how to embrace a different path.

This Bud's For You

This One Habit Is The Key To Better Friendships

ByVirginia Pelley

It's no secret that many men struggle to maintain or even build strong friendships. Bucking the trend is essential — and easier if you do this.

Advice

How To Call Out A Friend's Bad Behavior

BySteve Calechman

Yes, you should do it. No, they might not respond well to it. Yes, it should still be done.

Advice

How To Vent To Your Friends Without Bringing Them Down

BySteve Calechman

There’s a fine line between venting and becoming a burden. Here’s how to walk it.

Growing Buds

How I Rebuilt The Friendships That Faded When I Became a Dad

ByMatt Christensen

Losing touch doesn’t have to last forever.

Friendship

How To Be (A Little) More Vulnerable With Your Friends

ByJay Deitcher

Learning to delve a bit deeper with your buddies has big benefits for everyone involved.

Hard Talks

How To Confront A Friend About Worrisome Behavior

BySteve Calechman

You’ve noticed a pattern and are concerned. But this is tricky territory. Here’s how to prepare for the conversation.

Cool Dads

Chris Gethard Talks With Lonely Dads. Somehow, We All Feel Better Now

ByChris Gethard

The comedian sat down with his wildest friends to talk about their transition to fatherhood. Turns out they’re all less fun than they used to be — and that’s alright with them (sort of).

Buddy Systems

How My Friends And I Stay In Touch Now That We're All Dads

ByMatt Christensen

Fantasy leagues. Goldeneye tournaments. Recipe groups. This is what helps these men stay connected amidst the chaos of parenting.

Friends

What I Wish I Knew About Friendships When I Was Younger, According to 12 Men

ByMatt Christensen

“Your friends update and change based on the season you're in."