Yes, men are lonely. This is not good. There is a problem and the rising number of men reporting feelings of isolation and exclusion is one that warrants concern. Unfortunately, we’ve chosen the worst possible label for this phenomenon. Much like the obesity epidemic, we’ve framed the issue as something those who suffer from it are being assaulted by. As if the fork has a mind of its own. As if exercise and common sense lifestyle habits are elusive.

Both the male loneliness crisis and the obesity epidemic share a common theme. They are burdened by well meaning problem solvers whose framing of the problem and the causes of it will ensure that it’s real solution remains in obscurity.

Fortunately, these seemingly complex problems have very simple causes, and while not necessarily easy, their solutions are simple as well. All that’s required to understand these solutions is to orient away from the framing that these issues are attacking you like a raiding party of savages descending on a covered wagon making its way through the oregon trail. What’s really happening is that one of your wheels has fallen off after running your wagon into a ditch.

Allow me to explain: