As a man in his 50’s who grew up in the southern US, I rarely saw men showing any outward affection to their platonic male friends. Sure, you’d see a congratulatory pat on the butt playing sports, but that’s about it.
Interestingly, before that back in the 1940’s and 50’s, men were much more outwardly affectionate toward each other. I assumed the change was mainly due to societal pressures about homosexuality and the “hugging is for sissies” mentality. In the past 20 years that pendulum has swung back again and you see it more often.
So I’m curious what it’s like in your friend group? Are you uncomfortable with it? How do you tell your friends you love them? Or do you?
Edit: to clarify the title
Totally get it, we are similar age and environment. I was fortunate to grow up around a lot of amazing people who were affectionate. I have different pockets of friends so like most things you have to adjust to what others are comfortable with; I have raised my kids as huggers and my my favorite people in the world, male or female, share the trait of being affectionate - I don’t think it’s a coincidence. It’s worth pushing outside of your comfort zone, no matter what any of us say I really believe we all thrive on contact and positive reinforcement.