Culture

63% Of Men Feel Unloved And No One Wants To Ask Why

This isn’t about fragile egos or wounded pride; it’s about millions of men moving through life convinced their absence would go unnoticed.

By Lisa Britton3 min read

According to Equimundo's State of UK Men 2025 report, a staggering 63% of men believe that no one truly cares about them anymore. Adding to the concern, 44% have given up on pursuing romantic relationships altogether.

These statistics paint a picture of quiet desperation among men, with the majority feeling that women expect too much from them in partnerships, and over a third of young men convinced they are inherently unlovable. That is heartbreaking. It’s time to have more compassion for men and address their concerns head-on. A pivotal question we should be asking ourselves right now is this: what can women do to help?

For decades, societal progress has prioritized advancing girls and women, often at the expense of boys and men. I’m not afraid to say that. This isn't to diminish the true gains in valuing the sexes equally, but to acknowledge a hopefully unintended consequence: the neglect of male issues and the demonization of boys and men. Men are recognizing that they've been sidelined, their struggles dismissed or blamed on themselves. From education systems that label boys as problematic to media portrayals that vilify masculinity, the narrative has shifted to one where “the future is female” and “you don’t need a man,” framing men as the ultimate enemy.

To worsen the issue, many women chime in without recognizing the damage it’s causing. This constant exposure to misandry, both online and in real life, fuels division between the sexes, eroding trust and connection.

Over a third of young men are convinced they are inherently unlovable.

The consequences of this emotional void are dire. When individuals feel unloved and unneeded, despair can take root. It's no coincidence that the male suicide rate is four times higher than that of women. Men are often left to navigate their pain in isolation, without the societal support that women have. They’re often blamed and shamed even for that. This isn't just a personal tragedy; it's a societal one. As the African proverb warns, “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”

New research shows that when issues negatively impact women, we ask, “What is wrong with society?” But when men are behind, they are more likely to be blamed, suggesting “they just aren’t trying hard enough,” and there is less societal support for policies to address their issues. Men are right. It does feel like society doesn’t care about them, and research proves it.

If men continue to feel alienated, the ripple effects could undermine the very fabric of our communities. Women have historically been framed as the potential harmonizers of civilization, spreading love and fostering unity. Yet, in recent years, it doesn’t seem like that’s the case. Many have turned inward, prioritizing self-love and personal ambition over societal bonds. This self-focus, while seemingly “empowering,” has led to a drop in efforts to have compassion for and nurture others.

However, blaming women entirely for men's woes is also unfair and oversimplistic. The crisis stems from a broader societal fall into materialism, individualism, and status-seeking, where both sexes focus on the outside, chasing “stuff” over meaningful connections and competing rather than collaborating. Relationships suffer as priorities shift. With women increasingly financially independent, the traditional need for a male provider has diminished. This has contributed to declining marriage rates and fewer committed partnerships.

Interestingly, some argue that men have always been the more romantic sex. Historically, women sought partners for security and provision, while men yearned for emotional depth when it came to settling down, to provide love and be loved in return. Studies reinforce this: men fall in love faster, they struggle more post-breakup, being five times more likely to die by suicide during a separation, and need more time to get over a breakup. The breakdown of a relationship can shatter them, highlighting their deep desire for connection and emotional intimacy, contrary to popular narratives.

The crisis stems from a broader societal fall into materialism, individualism, and status-seeking.

So, how can women come together with men to fix this? First, by challenging the misinformation in schools, institutions, our culture, and media that paints men as oppressors or “the problem.” Instead, we can promote narratives of gratitude and shared humanity.

We can also work on restructuring our desires and expectations. In a husband, seek not just status or material gain, but genuine connection and mutual support. If gender expectations for us have changed, shouldn’t we update ours in return?

Lower the walls built from past hurts or societal pressures, and actively show appreciation for men's efforts. Simple acts, like verbal affirmations, physical affection, or listening without judgment, can reaffirm a man's worth.

Encourage open dialogues about men's mental and physical health, advocating for resources that address their unique challenges.

Women can lead by example, rejecting online misandry and creating environments where men feel heard and respected. In relationships, prioritize love over perfection and recognize that men, too, crave love.

This shift isn't about “regressing to outdated gender roles” but about reclaiming balance. When women embrace their role in spreading love, society as a whole benefits. Men who feel supported are more likely to thrive, contributing positively to families and communities. The progression of the human race depends on harmony between the sexes, not division. By addressing men's feelings of unlovedness, women can help heal the wounds of neglect and build a more compassionate and resilient world. And shouldn’t that be the goal?

The State of UK Men report is a wake-up call. Men don't feel loved, and they're not wrong to point out societal mistreatment. Women hold significant power to change this through empathy, action, and a renewed focus on love. It's time to drop the self-centered pursuits and embrace our duty to nurture. We can mend the divide and ensure that no one, man or woman, feels neglected and alone.