For many men, friendship doesn’t begin with a heart-to-heart. It begins with action. A project. A workout. A challenge. Something real and shared. In a society where men are often taught to suppress their emotions or to rely solely on their partners for emotional support, building strong friendships can feel unfamiliar. But the key to connection doesn’t always lie in talking. It lies in doing.
The Power of Doing
Men tend to bond best when they’re not forced to talk about their feelings right away. That doesn’t mean they lack emotional depth—it means connection often forms through side-by-side action rather than face-to-face conversation. Whether it’s building something, hiking a trail, or competing in a game, shared activities create space for trust to grow without pressure. These interactions can be casual at first, but over time, they often lead to deeper emotional support.
Research from the University of Oxford and studies published by the Greater Good Science Center at Berkeley show that men experience a boost in emotional well-being when they regularly engage in group activities. Not only do these activities foster connection, but they also reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and increase a sense of belonging. In short, taking part in something together gives men permission to connect.
Activities That Foster Connection
If you’re looking to build stronger bonds with other men, consider activities that encourage teamwork, routine, and growth. The key is consistency. Regular interaction is what transforms acquaintances into real friends.
Join a Sports League or Fitness Group
Whether it’s a weekly basketball league, a running group, or a martial arts class, physical activity provides shared goals and accountability. There’s also a built-in rhythm that keeps men showing up week after week. That repetition makes connection more natural.
Get Outdoors
Hiking clubs, fishing trips, and camping weekends offer more than just fresh air. Nature lowers the pressure to perform or entertain, making it easier to talk or simply exist in a shared space. Many men report feeling more relaxed and open after time outdoors, especially when unplugged from work and tech.
Try a Skill-Based Workshop
Woodworking. Cooking. Car repair. Photography. Hands-on activities provide a purpose beyond conversation. These experiences allow you to work on something together, giving you the chance to learn about others in an organic way.
Volunteer in the Community
Service projects give men something meaningful to unite around. Whether it’s helping build homes, organizing donations, or coaching youth sports, volunteering channels purpose and camaraderie at the same time.
Sign Up for a Class or Group
It could be a language class, a book club, or even a men’s mental wellness group. Shared learning fosters a sense of progress and collaboration, and gives you the opportunity to connect with others who are also seeking growth.
Resources to Explore
If you’re not sure where to start, there are organizations and platforms specifically designed to help men build bonds through action and community.
ManKind Project
A global nonprofit offering in-person trainings, men’s groups, and online programs aimed at emotional maturity, integrity, and accountability. Their “New Warrior Training Adventure” has been a life-changing experience for thousands of men.
EVRYMAN
This organization helps men connect through vulnerability and embodied practices. They offer retreats, small groups, and guided exercises designed to help men open up emotionally—often starting with shared physical and breathwork experiences.
Men’s Sheds
Originally founded in Australia and now present worldwide, Men’s Sheds provide spaces for men to gather, work on practical projects, and socialize in a low-pressure environment. It’s about purpose, routine, and shared effort.
Man Therapy
This humorous but helpful mental health platform provides resources tailored to men, including guides on dealing with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. It also includes a directory of support groups and community events.
Taking the First Step
Connection doesn’t have to come with pressure. You don’t need to force anything. Show up. Take part. Be open to something new. You might not become best friends with the first person you meet, but through shared effort, consistency, and mutual respect, those small moments will start to add up.
If you’re part of The Solemn Sir community, you already have a place to start. Customize your profile. Join the forums. Use Gavin for guidance on how to break the ice. This isn’t just a website—it’s a space built for men like you, who are ready to move past the silence and into strength through connection.
Friendship starts with showing up. So, show up for yourself. Show up for others. And let action be the bridge.