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"I felt like all I kept reading about was this male loneliness epidemic," explained Sophie*.

"And then I'd look at Martin*, who could go months on end without meeting up with a friend for a beer, and realise it was a real thing."

The 'male loneliness epidemic' describes a growing challenge many men face: finding it increasingly difficult to maintain meaningful friendships beyond their romantic relationships.

For Sophie, who noticed her husband beginning to gradually withdraw from things he once enjoyed, it hit home.

"I'd organise barbecues with my friends and their husbands and k

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