Are Male Friendships Better Than Female Friendships?

The age-old debate of whether male friendships or female friendships are 'better' continues to attract varied opinions. While some argue that female friendships are more nurturing and deep, others find that male friendships are built on shared interests and convenience. This article delves into the nuances and differences between male and female friendships, providing insights into why many people, like myself, find that both have their unique strengths.

Communication and Trust

Women are generally considered better communicators, making it easier for them to share personal issues, feelings, and dreams. Females tend to have deeper friendships because of this, as discussed in a recent article. On the other hand, male friendships often revolve around convenience or shared interests, such as being roommates in college or bonding over a mutual hobby like football. However, men are less likely to share deep personal issues or discuss their feelings with other men.

Friendships Across Genders

My personal experience aligns with the idea that a mix of male and female friends offers a balanced social network. For most of my life, my closest friends have been a combination of both genders, equally divided. However, the current societal trends have led to a prevalence of 'feminised men' – those who treat friendship and social interactions as a way to gain sexual access or to present themselves as 'male feminists', which often backfires.

Female Friends vs. Male Friends

When talking about female friends, I refer to women who I neither find physically appealing nor desire to be intimate with, regardless of gender norms or society's expectations. Female friendships often challenge privacy and trust, as women tend to share private information with their circle of friends. This is quite different from male friendships, which are generally more solution-oriented. Men value solving problems rather than just discussing them. While this can be seen as a negative trait in some contexts, it can also be helpful.

The Drawbacks of Gender-Biased Friendships

Co-mingling male and female friendships can sometimes lead to complex dynamics. While having female friends can provide a variety of perspectives and values, it can also expose one to the more manipulative or parasitic aspects of female relationships. This can be especially true in the current era, where there is a significant shift in how men and women approach relationships and sex. This change has shifted the dynamics, with women using sex to get relationships and men using relationships to get sex – or women using sex to get resources.

These trends are encapsulated in the old saying, 'Men use relationships to get sex, while women use sex to get relationships.' This adage seems to hold true more than ever, with many women seeking relationships with men they may not be romantically interested in, and men often finding themselves in unsatisfactory situations due to these dynamics.

Conclusion

Both male and female friendships have their unique strengths. The ideal situation seems to be finding a balance between them. While gender-based friendships have their pros and cons, it's important to prioritize trust, communication, and mutual respect in any friendship. If you find yourself in a friendship that is manipulative or parasitic, it might be time to reevaluate the relationship and seek deeper, more meaningful connections.