A Brat Pack Star Remembers How to Have Friends

Male friendship often suffers from a lack of intentionality, leaving many men in midlife feeling isolated. Actor and writer Andrew McCarthy examines this phenomenon through a cross-country road trip, documenting his efforts to reconnect with formative friends like Eddie and Seve. He observes that while women often build connections face-to-face, men typically bond shoulder-to-shoulder, finding intimacy through shared activities rather than direct emotional confrontation. Fame and sobriety served as significant catalysts for his own social withdrawal, as he struggled to distinguish genuine connections from those seeking reflected glory. Ultimately, the act of showing up—even when messy or uninvited—remains the most vital component of maintaining long-term bonds. By naming the value of these relationships and moving past the "seaweed-like" shame of personal failure, men can transform stagnant, distant associations into active, supportive partnerships.