Oh, whoa, I wish more men (and women, too) understood this. I'm someone who has had a lot of male friendships throughout my entire life, and I've always made them real and meaningful. Those guys knew they could call me when they felt low. But it took me some time to realize that while women build communities, men don't always emotionally invest in those. Not to mention, sometimes their friendships can be toxic and damaging. Sure, women have those awful friendships, too! However, since men were told to suppress their feelings and not show much beyond the surface level, they are struggling a lot.

I'm not sure you're aware of how often the Internet started talking about the male loneliness epidemic in a recent year. As a woman who's always tried to build a community with not just women but men as well, it breaks my heart. But as you pointed out the example of men not seeing unpaid labour as valuable labour, and not wishing to stay home with their kids (apart from Scandinavian countries); I can attest to women choosing to stay away from men more often now. I myself have decided to have kids on my own by a certain point, and it seems like a great idea. What you wrote is connected to my decision. And I hope that if I have a son, I'll raise him to not give into the toxic and damaging trends and stereotypes men get involved in too much, as well as to build a community with other men and women.

It's amazing you're getting out there and getting involved with others! Also, your puppy is sooo cute. :)