Straight guys, Bromances and bonding
In news that should come as no surprise, a study has been published that suggests straight guys find their bromances with other men to be more emotionally rewarding than their romantic relationships with women.
Be it hanging out at a bar, watching a football game or just helping another bud with a project, women have long complained of playing second fiddle to their man.
Celebrity bromances include Tom Brady and David Beckham and Leonardo DiCaprio plus Tom Hardy. Dylan O'Brien and Tyler Posey too have been the subject of gossip.
According to a new study, scientists may now have a greater understanding about why guys bond with other guys so strongly. Here are the nuts and bolts of the findings.
- Adam White of Winchester University interviewed 30 straight male students
- Of 30 men questioned, 28 would rather discuss emotional issues with friends
- Young men now feel able to ‘openly pronounce love’ to their male friends
- Social conventions of the past, perhaps informed by homophobia, have receded
Researchers have found that men felt “less judged” by their close male buddies than their girlfriends.
They also revealed that it’s easier to solve conflicts and talk openly about their feelings in their bromances.
At one time, male friendships were thought to be lacking in many in emotional and physical intimacy when compared to male-female relationships.
But things have apparently changed.
This study has found that young men “openly pronounce love” to their male buddies in a way that would have been socially unacceptable in previous years, mostly out of fear of appearing gay.
The study authors say that strong friendships may be a progressive development, as men become less worried about appearing effeminate.
They also warn that strong bromances may end up challenging traditional domestic living arrangements between men and women.
Speaking to Mail Online the principle researcher of the study, Adam White of Winchester University, said:
“The key thing that we found was that bromances were somewhat more flexible and judgement-free relationships comparable to romances. The guys that we spoke to were clear that the only differences, other than sex, were that bromances were less judgmental, easier to resolve problems or arguments, and much more emotionally open, than romances.
These guys found it easier to talk to their bromances as there was less judgement and regulation in their bromantic relationships. They didn’t feel like there was a standard to be kept or adhered to.
Therefore, they could express their feelings, anxieties and worries without being judged by their girlfriends. And on the occasions where conflict did occur, it was easier to fix with their bromances rather than their romances.”
White and his colleagues interviewed 30 British male undergraduates for the study, published in the journal Men and Masculinities.
