Bottom Line: Struggling with feelings of inferiority, not being “macho” enough, and the stigma of expressing their emotions around loneliness are common reasons why men feel lonely. As a whole, loneliness in men isn't uncommon, even though it's rarely discussed.
Masculine norms teach men to be tough, brave, and independent from the earliest age. Due to such a mindset, most men fear being perceived as weak or vulnerable, preventing them from reaching out to social contacts and deeply connecting with others. How Does Loneliness Affect Mental Health and Well-Being?
Beyond the negative mental health impacts, the CDC reports that those who are lonely are at a higher risk for dementia, heart failure or stroke, and even premature death. Men have often reported having fewer friends and social connections to rely on, with 15 percent saying they have no close friends at all.
Men and loneliness
Men tend to report higher levels of loneliness than women, with 39% of men living alone experiencing loneliness and one in three men believe that there is no one to help them out if in they're in need.
Be there. Simply being there for them can let them know that someone cares. Don't be afraid to ask them how they are feeling or if there's anything you can do to help. Having someone who is willing to listen could be a great comfort.
Most researchers, however, agree that single men tend to be especially lonely, and that certain social norms governing masculinity may increase the risk of loneliness in men. Some early research on loneliness also suggests men may be less likely than women to admit to feelings of loneliness.
Emotionally unavailable men are seeking for perfection for one reason only: they're deeply insecure. Since they're insecure and don't want to show any sign of a vulnerable exposure, they will comfort themselves with the thought that 'no one is good enough' and they don't need to open up to anyone.
Don't dismiss someone's feelings of loneliness.
Even if they seem like the strongest, most extraverted and friendly person you know, they still may feel alone and disconnected. Statements such as “But you have so many friends” or “I wish I was lonely – I am just so busy” may make feelings of self-doubt worse.
A lack of communication, disengagement, and a sour temperament are all signs you can look out for if you think your partner is unhappy.
The Rise in the Number of Lonely Single Men in the U.S.
About four in every 10 adults (38%) between the ages of 25 and 54 do not have a partner. That percentage is up sharply from 30 years ago, when it stood at 29%. Furthermore, that increase is more pronounced among men than in women.
First, validate their feelings.
You can say something like, “Yes, that's normal! It makes sense that you'd feel that way given that so many of our relationships have all had to change this year.” This lets them know that you've heard them and you respect them for feeling comfortable enough to open up.
An emotionally unavailable man has a difficult time knowing how to engage in the real-stuff conversations. In some instances, he may have some capacity to listen, but is emotionally shutting that part of himself down so that you don't get too close. If that's the case, you will likely feel shut down and alone.
An emotionally unavailable person is typically not willing or able to truly commit to you and be loyal to you. This type of person will often want to keep things casual and undefined so as to not deal with any of the emotional components that go into a long-term relationship.
Of course, an emotionally unavailable person can change, but like any personal overhaul, they have to want to do it themselves. “The trick is for you not to try and change them. If they feel that they want to be more involved in your feelings, then they will,” Masini says.
Some research suggests that loneliness can increase stress. It's also associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems. For example, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems.
For instance, loneliness is correlated with social anxiety, social inhibition (shyness), sadness, hostility, distrust, and low self-esteem, characteristics that hamper one's ability to interact in skillful and rewarding ways.
The typical unhappy man is one who, having deprived in youth of some normal satisfaction, has come to value this one 'kind of satisfaction more than any other, and has therefore given to his life a one-sided direction, together with a quite undue emphasis upon the achievement as opposed to the activities connected with ...
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