Men who finish high school and start a life of work find that work, and often family responsibilities, prevent them from seeing their friends as often. Not only does the amount of time that a young man can dedicate to his friendships change, but also the very nature of friendships begin to alter in response to developmental changes. This transition can be very difficult for men. Many young men find that the ways they behaved in their friendships at younger ages no longer work. Competition and conquest of women were organizing themes in adolescent friendships that do not work well in the adult world.
Friendships begin to become less a focus, as work and the pursuit of a family take a central role.
With few models to help show them how to behave, many young men become isolated during this life cycle phase, or rely on their intimate, sexual partnerships for their companionship needs. The decrease in male friendships has a profound cost for many young men. Male friendships serve different functions than do relationships with women. Further, supportive and open male friendships are relationships that men can rely on when they are having troubles in their work, with the women in their lives, and with their souls. Mature adult male friendships are perhaps more unconditional than are intimate partnerships, whether they be with men or women.