Making Friends is Harder For Men but Strong Social Relationships are Important for Health
Relational health is important for our overall well-being. It’s not just about how many people you know or how often you socialize but about the quality of your relationships and the support they provide. When life feels overwhelming—whether due to job stress, economic uncertainty, or family challenges—relational health becomes even more critical. Strong connections can help buffer stress, steady your emotions, and even enhance your physical health.
The problem? Many guys feel stuck—too busy, too disconnected, or just unsure where to begin. Here’s the good news: you don’t need a massive friend group or a perfect family to reap the benefits of relational health. What you need is a game plan. For those feeling stretched thin, stuck, or even isolated, improving relational health may seem like one more thing on an endless to-do list. But you don’t need a massive social network or a picture-perfect family to reap the benefits of meaningful connection. You just need a plan.
What is Relational Health—and Why Should You Care?
Relational health isn’t about being the life of the party or stacking up contacts in your phone. It’s also not about having thousands of Facebook friend. It’s about building authentic, meaningful connections that actually enhance your life. Good relationships can help you:
Regulate stress: Talking through your challenges with someone you trust can lower cortisol levels.
Feel seen and understood: Humans are wired for connection. A conversation with someone who “gets it” can be transformative.
Strengthen resilience: Knowing you have people in your corner makes tough situations easier to navigate.
On the flip side, loneliness and isolation aren’t just mental health threats—they can take a toll on your body too, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and even heart disease. The bottom line? Quality beats quantity every time.
How to Improve Your Relational Health
Regardless of your circumstances—whether you’re managing a large family, a small social circle, or feeling completely disconnected—there are ways to foster relational health. Building stronger relationships doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on genuine interactions.
Strengthen What You’ve Got
If you already have relationships that feel supportive but could use nurturing, start there. Small, intentional actions can have a big impact:
Say thanks: A simple “Hey, I appreciate you” goes a long way in deepening bonds.
Prioritize quality time: Even grabbing a coffee or catching a game can make a big impact.
Be real: Share what’s on your mind, whether it’s work stress or a recent win. Sincerity builds trust.
Expand Your Circle (Without It Feeling Weird)
If your social network feels limited, don’t sweat it. There are plenty of ways to meet new people that don’t involve awkward small talk. Take small steps to widen it in ways that align with your personality and interests:
Lean into your hobbies: Whether it’s joining a sports league, hitting up a martial arts class, or volunteering, shared interests make it easier to connect.
Reconnect with old friends: Shoot a quick text to that college buddy or coworker you used to be tight with. Sometimes, it just takes a little nudge.
Explore online communities: From Community Facebook Groups o virtual meetups, there are countless ways to find people who share your values and experiences.
Build Relationships Outside of Work
If your social life revolves around coworkers, you’re not alone—but it’s risky. When job stress spikes or layoffs hit, it’s easy to feel untethered. While coworkers can be a great source of support, it’s important to cultivate a circle outside of your job:
Why it matters: If work stress escalates or layoffs occur, you’ll need a separate network for emotional and practical support.
How to do it: Join a fitness group, reconnect with non-work friends, or start a new hobby that gets you out of the house.
Navigate Family Dynamics Wisely
Family relationships can be a mixed bag. For some, family is a primary source of support; for others, it’s a source of stress. If family relationships feel complicated:
Prioritize chosen family: Focus on “chosen family”—friends, mentors, or other people who genuinely care about you.
Set boundaries: If family gatherings drain you, scale back or be clear about what you will and won’t tolerate.
Focus on self-care: Remember that family dysfunction isn’t your responsibility to fix, and it’s okay to step back when needed.
Connection Beyond People
If you’re in a season of life where people are scarce, there are other ways to foster connection:
Adopt a pet: A dog, cat, or even a fish can provide comfort, routine, and companionship.
Get involved in the community: Volunteer for a cause you care about. Helping others creates a sense of purpose and belonging.
Be a mentor—or find one: These relationships offer mutual growth and respect, whether it’s in your career or personal life.
What to Watch For: Red Flags in Relational Health
It’s not always obvious when relational health is suffering. Pay attention to signs like:
Persistent loneliness or isolation.
Feeling emotionally unsupported or misunderstood.
Repeated conflicts or resentments in your relationships.
If these sound familiar, it might be time to take a step back, reassess, and make some changes.
The Role of Professional Support
If improving relational health feels overwhelming, a health coach or therapist can provide tools and strategies to navigate this area of life. They can help you:
Uncover patterns that hinder connection.
Build communication skills.
Create actionable steps for fostering healthier relationships.
Final Thoughts
Relational health isn’t about the number of connections but the quality of your relationships. Prioritize building and nurturing deeper, more meaningful connections. Whether you’re starting with a few trusted friends or seeking to rebuild from scratch, the effort is worth it. By prioritizing existing bonds, seeking new connections, and addressing relational health gaps, you can strengthen your resilience and enhance your overall well-being.
Strong relationships enhance every area of life, from stress management to overall happiness. This season, take small but intentional steps toward cultivating relationships that uplift and sustain you. Your mental, emotional, and physical health will thank you.
This week, challenge yourself: Reach out to a friend, sign up for that class you’ve been eyeing, or spend 10 minutes chatting with a neighbor. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to show up. Your physical, mental, and emotional health will thank you for it.
Article References
The sources cited in the article:
National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Masculinity, Social Connectedness, and Mental Health." NIH - Social Health for Men
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). “Men and Mental Health: What are We Missing?” AAMC - Men’s Health
Science Direct. "Real Men Don’t Talk? Relationships Among Depressiveness." Science Direct - Men Relationships Mental Health
Harvard Business Review (HBR). "We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health at Work.” HBR - Men’s Mental Health at Work
Cleveland Clinic. “Are Men Less Likely to Have Friends?” Cleveland Clinic - Are Men Less Likely to Have Friends?
The NY Times. “Why Is It So Hard for Men to Make Close Friends?” NYTimes - Why Is It So Hard for Men to Make Close Friends?
