The so-called male ‘friendship recession’ is most likely down to a “million years of evolution”, Shane Coleman has said. 

Research by the Survey Center of American Life has found that the number of men admitting they do not have any close friends has significantly increased since 1990. 

Back then, only 3% of men said they had no close friends but now that figure has grown to 15%. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, presenter Shane Coleman said there is a reason why he thinks women have more friends than their husbands, brothers and sons. 

“I think women are better at friendships generally and I think they are better at talking about their feelings,” he said. 

“There’s probably a million years of evolution in that.” 

Shane added that many men are simply much happier talking about sport than their feelings.

“I think it’s just as important that men talk about whether there’s a false number nine or an old traditional centre forward is the better option,” he said jokingly. 

“I think that’s just as important as talking about deeply emotional issues - obviously it’s not.”

'Sad and poignant'

Co-presenter Ciara Kelly said the findings undermine many of society’s stereotypes about men. 

“There is something sad and poignant in anyone expressing and being honest about the fact that they’re lonely,” she said. 

“I wonder in a way do I find it particularly wistful because it is men and I suppose men hold a certain place in all our hearts in terms of being strong and capable and not having problems - I know that’s rubbish by the way.” 

Ciara added that women should not expect the friendships of the men in their life to be exactly like the ones they have with their own pals.

“Do we look at male friendships and judge them through the prism of female friendships?” she said. 

“We’re emoting all the time and where talking and expressing feelings all the time is seen as the better option. 

“I’m not sure that it is; they say men talk shoulder to shoulder and women talk face to face and I think there’s something in that. 

“I don’t think that’s necessarily wrong that men talk shoulder to shoulder.” 

Ciara added that this could just as well be a ‘gross generalisation’ as she herself preferred not to talk about emotions. 

“I am a woman but I am someone who is not comfortable talking about their feelings,” she said.

“I don’t particularly like it at all; so, these are gross generalisations that no men like to talk about their feelings and women all do.” 

A recent survey by the EU found that 20% of Irish people report feeling lonely all or most of the time.

Main image: Shane Coleman. Image: Newstalk