Breaking the Male Code

A noted psychotherapist argues that male buddies are crucial to a man’s health and happiness. By now, most men have gotten used to the idea that women have a network of friends with whom they share everything from recipes to reality television. But few of us have much experience with this kind of relationship among men. In part, it’s because for much of the past century, men have operated under the rules of the Male Code—a set of rigid guidelines that equate masculinity with stoicism, silence, and strength. These outdated expectations have wreaked havoc on all areas of men’s lives, making them more likely to suffer from depression, anger, and isolation. Robert Garfield has devoted his life to helping men learn how to identify inner conflicts, express emotions they may have never learned how to talk about, and communicate openly with their friends and loved ones.