How do men typically express affection in their friendships?

Men typically express affection in their friendships by engaging in activities together. This approach is often rooted in a preference for shared experiences as a primary means of bonding. When men participate in activities such as sports, working on projects, or simply hanging out, it fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection that illustrates their affection for one another. This mode of expression aligns with the socialization processes men undergo, where engaging in action-oriented activities is often more comfortable and fulfills the social norms related to masculinity.

While emotional discussions and verbal compliments do occur, they are not the predominant ways in which many men convey their feelings of affection. Moreover, maintaining distance contradicts the idea of expressing affection, as it involves disengaging rather than fostering close relationships. Overall, the emphasis on shared activities as a vehicle for expressing friendship aligns with broader societal patterns around masculine communication styles.