Is “bromance” expired?  

The origins of the word come from a combination of “bros” (male friends or brothers) and romance. Ideally, a bromance only happens when two guys meet and just get along so great, they develop this instant, platonic love for each other. A bromance is generally understood to be a same-sex, non-sexual male friendship that is, nevertheless, exceptionally affectionate, and intimate.

The concept became quite popular, even somewhat trendy – think Simba Mhere/Jonathan Boyton-Lee or DJ Euphonik and DJ Fresh. If you still remember these guys would do “bromantic” activities together without women in their life.

However, some people would perceive bromance as a cover for men who have romantic attraction to other men. Nah my guy, that’s not the case.  

Perhaps the best thing about a bromance is that the men involved tend to be very secure with themselves, and in touch with their emotions. This helps them have more complete friendships with other guys, and help them relate to other women in their life. Bromance may actually help men identify and discuss feelings frequently than they would otherwise. 

In a society where male mental health has been labelled as “silent crisis” bromances could a great way for men to have non-toxic relationships. Bromances are a benefit for society, especially during a time in which we want to promote inclusive masculinity and allow men to feel comfortable expressing themselves emotionally. 

Passionate friendships among men are considered un-masculine and culturally problematic because “highly intimate and affectionate same-gender friendships are more likely to engender suspicion of homosexuality when they occur between men than when they occur between women.

Whereas women can be passionate with each other and stay straight, if men are passionate with each other, they are tagged gay. 

Bromance offers some men elevated emotional stability, enhanced emotional disclosure, social fulfilment, and better conflict resolution, compared to the emotional lives they share with girlfriends. We can’t keep on hiding behind statements such as “men are impersonal, women are persona”. These differences, though overblown, have been attributed to the way masculinity and femininity are constructed in our society. 

The “no judgement” nature of bromance is what men need.  What is so wrong with two straight men being in love, infatuated with each other? Straight women do it all the time. Let’s just celebrate it.