What does it really take for men to build meaningful connections? Strong friendships are essential for mental health, yet many men struggle to maintain them.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Geoffrey Greif, distinguished professor and author of Buddy System, about male friendships, social connection, and men’s mental health. Geoffrey shares his insights into the ups and downs of male friendships and explains why having the right support network can be crucial in preventing depression and supporting emotional wellbeing.
In this episode you will learn:
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The four types of friends—must, trust, rust, and just—and why each matters
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How male friendships impact mental health, resilience, and emotional wellbeing
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Signs of depression to watch for in your friends and how to offer support
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Practical strategies for maintaining and deepening friendships, even with busy schedules
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How partners and loved ones can help men build stronger social connections
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, male friendships, social support, resilience, and emotional wellbeing, offering research-backed insights and practical advice for cultivating meaningful relationships.
1.16: Introductions
4.35: The state of male friendships
8.02: The 4 types of male friendships
16.11: The key characteristics of a strong male friendship
18.11: The importance of trust
20.19: Why men can struggle to build and maintain friendships
22.38: Misconceptions around male friendships
26.35: How partners can help men build friendships
29.10: How to reconnect with old friends
33.17: How to initiate new friendships if I'm not socially confident
