Since stepping away from TRP and unlearning a lot of the misogyny I used to carry, my life has improved in so many ways. I’m in a loving relationship, I’m happier, and I feel more grounded in who I am.

But one thing I didn’t expect was how much my friendships with other men would change.

I ended up drifting away from my old guy friends because I just couldn’t tolerate the constant casual misogyny or the competitive dynamic anymore. It feels exhausting now. Most of them have doubled down on that mindset, and I don’t feel comfortable around it.

At the same time, I haven’t been able to build new close friendships with men. I’ve met guys who seem decent, and I genuinely try to connect, but something just doesn’t click. Sometimes they make off comments that turn me off. Other times, I feel like I’m the one getting ghosted.

Interestingly, I have no problem forming close friendships with women. My closest friends are women, and I find those friendships natural and fulfilling. But when it comes to men, it feels like there’s some invisible barrier.

Sometimes I get the sense that other guys see me as competition, or as someone standing between them and my female friends. It can feel like I’m being sized up rather than genuinely engaged with. Even when they talk to me, it often feels performative, like they’re trying to elevate themselves in front of others. Other times, I’m just ignored entirely like I'm invisible.

I can hang out with guys casually in group settings, but I can’t seem to form that deeper “bro” bond.

Has anyone else experienced this after leaving TRP? How did you navigate rebuilding male friendships that felt healthy and authentic?