Male Friendships Are Not Doing the Job

Society expects more from men as husbands, fathers, and partners, but men expect too little from each other

This week’s newsletter is inspired by a new survey report, From Swiping to Sexting: The Enduring Gender Divide in American Dating and Relationships, that details the way gender, education, and age inform our dating and relationship experiences, priorities, and expectations. The survey was based on interviews with over 5,000 Americans, including roughly 800 singles, and in-depth interviews with 21 young adults.

In a video posted on social media, a distraught young woman recounts receiving this message moments before her date arrived to pick her up.  

“Alright you shallow bitch, don’t judge my car.” 

Confused and alarmed, the young woman expressed her discomfort at which point her would-be date grew defensive. He eventually texted an apology. But it was too little, too late.  

You could chalk it up to another example of men behaving badly. Except, I don’t think that’s quite it. There are so many of these stories. As I’ve noted previously, these “dating disasters” seem to disproportionately …