Despite his material and enviable career success, Don, like many of his mid-20th-century contemporaries and many men today, more than a half a century later, was hampered by a common theme that is prevalent in the lives of many men — a lack of genuine friendships. The old saying that “the more things change, the more they stay the same” rings true in regards to this particular issue.
Men have chosen to become totally consumed with one’s career to the detriment of having any healthy relationships. There have been a number of theories and reasons from experts as to why so many men have difficulty establishing and maintaining valuable, close relationships with other men. The social awkwardness and a rejection of intimacy with other men are present in fear of being viewed or labeled as gay. Societal mores have historically frowned upon it. Instead, men have chosen to become totally consumed with one’s career to the detriment of having any healthy relationships. Reasons aside, many individuals with the X/Y chromosome have a real deficit in their level of camaraderie with other men.
The undeniable conclusion from many psychologists, psychotherapists, mental health experts as well as testimony from a number of men themselves is that too many men have too few, if any, real male friends.
There has been a plethora of studies providing evidence that men who are largely friendless are living in an unhealthy situation, often resort to alcohol, engage in drug use, suffer from depression, and should reexamine their current predicament. Some things to consider:
Continue reading Addressing Social Isolation among Men – by Elwood Watson
Mauricio Velasquez speaks on Diversity Trends in Today’s Workplace. He is the President & Founder of Diversity Training Group (DTG). In this follow-up interview 
Jim Woods is President of Woods Kovalova Group, a Diversity and Leadership Management consulting firm located in Denver. We believe that tackling big thorny challenges requires big unconventional ideas. We provide boundary-pushing proposals for changing the way organizations work and leaders lead.
David B. Grinberg is a strategic communications expert, brand ambassador, featured blogger and expert on the media. His 25-years of work experience includes The White House, Congress (Office of House Majority Leader), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
