A significant number of British men, especially in middle age, lack close friendships, but it is still possible to make new friends by engaging in activities and shared interests.
A survey conducted in the UK found that a quarter of British men claim to have no close friends. This trend of a lack of male friendships becomes more pronounced in middle age. However, it is still possible for men to make new friends and counter this “friendship recession.” Men’s friendships tend to be more activity-based and less focused on deep emotional discussions compared to women’s friendships. As men grow older, they often face challenges in making new friends, especially if they go through major life changes like divorce. Nevertheless, there are ways to overcome these difficulties, such as connecting with others through shared interests or hobbies like sports, gaming, or music. Making new friends in middle age can provide crucial support and positively impact psychological and physical well-being.
