Final answer:
Straight men in male-male friendships are most likely to expect practical advice, mirroring societal expectations of masculinity. Physical affection and deep self-disclosure are less common due to heteronormative norms. The concept of homosocial desire explains nonsexual yet deep male relationships within these constraints.
Step-by-step explanation:
Within the context of a male-male friendship, straight men are most likely to expect practical advice. This expectation aligns with societal norms of masculinity, where emotional vulnerability and physical expressions of affection are often discouraged, especially in Western cultures. Men tend to seek and provide support in ways that are perceived as conforming to heterosexual masculine ideals, such as sharing pragmatic solutions to problems or engaging in activities together.
U.S. males, in particular, may avoid self-disclosing conversations and hugging as a greeting to not violate the heteronormative expectations that male sexual attraction should be exclusively directed towards females. The concept of homosocial desire, as identified by queer theorist Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, captures the complex relationships between men that can have nonsexual yet profound emotional connections. However, the expression of these connections is often limited due to social disapproval and rigid gender norms.
Men's friendships can involve elements of mentorship and counsel, as seen in various cultural practices around the world, where same-sex relationships may coexist with conventional demands for heterosexual marriage and family life. It is within this nuanced social framework that men navigate their platonic relationships with other men, often focusing on shared interests, goals, and mutually beneficial advice.