Guys aren’t always the best at that whole “emotional connection” thing (shocking, we know). But deep down, we all crave meaningful friendships. Solid friendships make life better – they boost your mood, make you healthier, and just generally make you a more well-rounded human. That being said, don’t you think it’s time to get over those outdated ideas about dudes not showing their feelings? Here are some simple ways men can level up their friendships with other men.
1. Actually Make Time
Life gets busy – work, family, trying to find time to actually sleep… it’s a lot! But friendships take effort. Schedule regular catch-ups, whether it’s grabbing a beer, gaming online, or even just texting memes every so often. Consistent contact keeps you connected even when life throws curveballs. You may not have as much time to chill out together as you used to, but carve out pockets of time where you can.
2. Go Beyond Superficial Chats
Talking about sports and work is fine, but don’t be afraid to go deeper! Ask open-ended questions like, “How’s everything really going?” or “Anything stressing you out lately?” Show a genuine interest in your buddy’s life, not just the surface-level stuff. Vulnerability might feel awkward at first, but it builds stronger bonds.
3. Be a Hype Man
Celebrate your friends’ wins, big and small! A quick text like, “Dude, you crushed that presentation!” goes a long way. True friends genuinely want to see each other succeed, and showing that support strengthens the friendship way more than any competitive one-upmanship.
4. Listen Without Judgment
Sometimes, your buddy just needs to vent. Resist the urge to fix everything or offer advice he didn’t ask for and probably doesn’t want. Just be there, listen actively, and let him know you’ve got his back. Validating his feelings builds trust and lets him know it’s okay to be real around you.
5. Check In, Even When Things Are Good
Don’t just reach out when a friend is going through a rough patch. Check in regularly, even when things seem smooth sailing. Ask if he wants to hang out, or send a quick funny video that made you think of him. This shows you care about the friendship beyond just needing a shoulder to cry on.
6. Pick Up on the Unspoken
Guys aren’t always direct about their feelings. Pay attention to changes in your friend’s mood, behavior, or even how he’s replying to texts. If you sense something’s off, don’t be afraid to ask, “Hey, you seem a bit down, everything okay?” Sometimes, just knowing someone has noticed can make a big difference.
7. Ditch Distractions
When you’re hanging with your friend, give him your full attention. Put your phone away, make eye contact, and actually listen to him. This shows you value his time and that your hangouts aren’t just a way to kill time between scrolling through Instagram.
8. Initiate Plans, Don’t Just Wait to Be Asked
Don’t always rely on your buddies to make the first move. If you think it’d be fun to catch a game or go hiking, take charge and make the suggestion! Friendships are a two-way street, and putting in this effort shows you’re invested in keeping the connection going strong.
9. Own Your Screw-Ups
Nobody’s perfect. If you flake on plans, forget a birthday, or even say something insensitive, own your mistake. A sincere apology goes a long way in making amends, and most guys will happily accept it and move on. True friends can weather an occasional slip-up, but taking responsibility for it is key.
10. Be Reliable (Seriously)
If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Consistently being there and following through builds trust. Everyone has occasional things that come up, but being a flake undermines a friendship and makes your friend feel like a low priority in your life.
11. Show Your Gratitude
Don’t take your buddies for granted! Let them know you appreciate their presence in your life. It can be as simple as saying, “Hey, I just wanted to say I’m grateful for your friendship.” Showing gratitude strengthens the bond and reminds both of you why this friendship matters.
12. Offer Practical Help
Being there for your friends goes beyond emotional support. If your buddy’s moving, offer to help with the heavy lifting. Is he stressed with a work project? See if there’s anything you can take off his plate. Actions speak louder than words, showing you genuinely care about their well-being.
13. Respect (and Celebrate) Differences
You don’t have to be carbon copies of each other to be great friends. Embrace what makes you unique and appreciate your buddies’ quirks too. Diverse perspectives enrich friendships and make life way more interesting.
14. Be Open-Minded
Challenge your own stereotypes about male friendships. It’s okay to hug your bro, tell him you love him, or get a little mushy sometimes. Ditching those rigid ideas about “manliness” creates space for genuine connection and deeper friendships.
15. Have Some Freaking Fun!
Friendships should be enjoyable! Go on adventures, try new things, and don’t be afraid to let loose a little (or a lot). Sharing laughter and creating memories is what solidifies your bond and keeps things from getting too serious all the time.
Enjoy this piece? Give it a like and follow Bolde on MSN for more!
