ALONE AGAIN, NATURALLY

The stereotype that women stress over the idea of permanent singlehood, while men are happy to careen from video games to football to the bar until they die of old age isn’t correct.

Guys feel just as much pressure to be in a relationship as girls, though they might just have an easier time hiding it with the aforementioned activities. But nobody really wants to be alone. Even people who prefer solitude want to have someone to come back to. Being together and having that understanding isn’t a man or woman thing – it’s a human thing.

We spend our entire lives trying to fit in. We find cliques and clubs, religious groups and political parties; we follow sports teams or identify as fans of film and pop culture – all because we want to relate to others with similar interests and wants. We all want to be understood on some level.

However, seeking companionship doesn’t necessarily mean seeking a romantic relationship. The traditional idea of a spouse doesn’t need to be the answer for curing alienation. A few good friends, or very close family, and even just one of these people, can be all it takes. Male or female, everyone craves close, fulfilling relationships. Whether you find that with a spouse or with a friend who loves Spider-Man as much as you do, don’t sweat it – either works.