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. 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.