I Love My Emotionally Stunted Friendships
The author defends male friendships centered on shared activities rather than emotional disclosure, challenging the narrative that such bonds are inherently toxic. He argues that these friendships provide value despite lacking the traditional emotional depth often expected in modern relationships.
Why it matters
It contributes to the cultural debate regarding masculinity, mental health, and the evolving expectations of interpersonal relationships.
My relationships with other men are centered on shared activities. Why do some people see that as a problem?
Brian Chorski / Kintzing / Connected Archives July 31, 2026, 9 AM ET Share Save This spring, a few weeks before the fishing season began in earnest, I went over to a buddy’s house with a six-pack and a bucket full of beaten-up lures. We sat at his kitchen table, swapping out rusty hooks as we talked about new spots we wanted to try, gear we’d bought over the winter, and the all-important question: When would the first striped bass arrive near us on their annual northward migration?
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