Hello Friend,

If this is your first visit to SoSuave, I would advise you to START HERE.

It will be the most efficient use of your time.

And you will learn everything you need to know to become a huge success with women.

Thank you for visiting and have a great day!

Male Loneliness: The Unspoken Struggle

BadBoy89

Master Don Juan
Joined
Jan 18, 2020
Messages
1,947
Reaction score
2,238
Recent research shows that men are lonelier than ever. Only 27% of men say they have 6 close friends. Further, 15% of men say they have no close friends at all Why do these numbers matter? First, studies suggest that loneliness is a significant factor in developing depression.

We need to explore the causes of male loneliness to assess how it might impact mental health over time. This becomes even more critical when we consider that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of death in men.


Causes of Loneliness in Men

Lack of close friendships


It’s not uncommon for older men to struggle with making close friends — especially after college. This may be because of societal expectations that encourage them to focus on things like their career and achieving financial success, which might leave less time to socialize and develop deep and meaningful relationships with a new friend. Before this point in life, social networks were generally abundant and a consistent source that offered easy friendships and meaningful, rewarding connections. Without access to these, feelings of isolation can creep in and cause loneliness.

Societal expectations

Societal pressure and expectations cause men to feel like they have no choice but to be strong and independent. The tough guy image resulting from masculine norms discourages some men from expressing their emotional needs or desires. This can quickly lead to emotional isolation — even for those men with people in their lives who care deeply about them.

Not being willing or able to open up

Some research suggests that many men have a hard time discussing their feelings of loneliness. Unfortunately, being unwilling to open up may stifle deep connections with others and exacerbate loneliness. Plus, these societal expectations may prevent a lonely man from investing in a new friendship or opening up to a close friend. The stigma associated with shame or embarrassment over feeling lonely may be another driver.

Career pressure and stress

The pursuit of career success may be a culprit that causes some men to sacrifice personal relationships or hobbies that could help reduce male loneliness.
Even men in romantic relationships might feel lonely if their partners shut down because they’re tired of feeling like they come second to the time and energy a man puts in at the office.

Mental health conditions

Several mental health conditions have been linked to loneliness in men. As discussed, loneliness is directly associated with the onset of depression.
“Loneliness can be a significant prompt for depression. When individuals feel isolated and disconnected from others, they may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Over time, these emotions can intensify into clinical depression if not addressed.”
The Impact on Mental Health

It’s clear that loneliness takes a silent toll on men’s mental health that results in conditions like depression or anxiety. In extreme cases, loneliness can even lead to suicidal ideation or acts in both young and older adults.

Depression

Isolation can create feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness in men. Over time, these feelings may spiral into clinical depression, sparking an exhausting cycle that’s almost impossible to break free from without professional help.

Anxiety

Research also shows that chronic loneliness can be a predictor of anxiety. Fearful thoughts about being alone forever, or feeling like an outcast feeds an anxious mindset. Especially for men, who are taught from a young age that being male means being strong, it can be challenging to ask for help when dealing with loneliness-related anxiety.

Dealing with loneliness alone is really hard. Finding the courage to seek help might be one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do in life — this is one of the reasons that loneliness in men has been referred to as a silent battle.

---------------------------------

Thoughts?
 

Tell her a little about yourself, but not too much. Maintain some mystery. Give her something to think about and wonder about when she's at home.

Quote taken from The SoSuave Guide to Women and Dating, which you can read for FREE.

CoolWave1331

Don Juan
Joined
May 2, 2025
Messages
54
Reaction score
36
Age
30
Most men have never had 6 real true friends any time in history. Lucky if have even 1 or 2 really good friends in life time --- just because someone say they are friend, doesn't mean they actually are and that you should count on them. Only find out who is a true friend during lifes most difficult moments - you will be surprised who was really a friend and who was not.

Rest makes sense & is true about impact on "mental health". Having bonds is important - it's important to get involved with stuff. There's many people just go to work, come home, scroll on phone, sleep, do again same day. Many don't appear to be friendly and helps to be "open"- best advice is to have a friend be a friend.
 

Gamisch

Master Don Juan
Joined
May 2, 2022
Messages
4,204
Reaction score
4,924
A man is this day and age should NOT be dependent on anyone.

If I've learned one thing , it's that eventually your friends will mercilessly go their own way( and chase a woman who will tear them apart) deteriorate mentally/physically/financially/ spiritually . People change over time, and a friend can drop you like a hot potato. Make acquaintances, not friends.

The medicine: have a life- long term goal and put ALL you energy into that specific goal or goals.

Get ripped
get rich
learn new skills
read and become wise(r)

this will consume most of your time.


Never let anyone get 100% of you, no man no woman I'd even say no family member. Give ANYONE the complete freedomto walk away from yiu whenever they want, and if they do it shouldn't devastate you. Always make sure you can do it all by yourself. Another thing: give without expecting shyte in return. Let your gift be a gift, not a bargaining tool.

If you're depressed because you don't have a seemingly bubbly group of friends you're doing it wrong because you keep putting your faith into other people's hands.
 

BaronOfHair

Master Don Juan
Joined
Feb 14, 2024
Messages
3,236
Reaction score
1,457
Age
36
Most men have never had 6 real true friends any time in history. Lucky if have even 1 or 2 really good friends in life time --- just because someone say they are friend, doesn't mean they actually are and that you should count on them. Only find out who is a true friend during lifes most difficult moments - you will be surprised who was really a friend and who was not.
 

Travel memoir21

Master Don Juan
Joined
Feb 20, 2020
Messages
1,119
Reaction score
701
Age
39
Location
Rio Grande Valley, Texas
All you need is one or two good buddies....even long distance, to cheer you on. The rest you can get your social needs taken care with your family, long term acquaintances and dog. Stay close to support group websites such as this one, places like Nofap.com, A facebook group called - ' A group that pretends to be a family', your hobby groups, your church and your therapist etc. Have some laid back casual places you can go to be social on the weekends- become a regular at a coffee shop, family resto pub or in your gym. Stay connected.
 

The Duke

Master Don Juan
Joined
Feb 4, 2008
Messages
5,875
Reaction score
9,325
I've never worried about depression, loneliness. I support myself, do my thing, don't rely on others for internal happiness and thats where I find freedom and peace.

Learn to hunt like a lone wolf, soar like an eagle, and ride like an old cowboy.
 

BeExcellent

Master Don Juan
Joined
Dec 16, 2015
Messages
4,988
Reaction score
7,107
Age
56
Much of this stems from a need for external validation. Caring about what others think and preconcieved societal expectations.

Love yourself; be your own best friend. Keep a curious mind and be inquisitive. Being alone is not the same as loneliness.
 
Top