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.
Intimate partners tend to place more demands and expectations on people than do friendships.
The unconditional nature of friendships is essential for growth, as friends give us the space to be , not do. Men can feel relaxed around their male friends, as they need not worry about the manner in which they communicate. They are accepted for who they are , not what they do or say. Differences in the relational styles between men and women also point to the need for men to have male friends. Men and women differ in the manner in which they express emotions.