Proven: men really needs evenings alone with the guys

As a loyal girlfriend, you are more than happy to stand by his side to hold his hand, whisper ‘poekie’ in his ear, and lovingly stroke his cheek.

And you enjoy going out to dinner with him. Or at a party. Or at a family lunch. No matter how much he finds that clinginess everywhere, he sometimes really needs some time without you. Don't feel offended as his girlfriend, it has been officially proven: men cannot do without that time with just their friends. Even if it's for the 91st time watching Ajax against God knows who. Even if it's drinking beers with Flügels in the pub where they've been a billion times. Or even if it's having that eternal game night with Settlers of Catan, Rummikub, and his three equally enthusiastic buddies. He just sometimes enjoys going out and he certainly doesn't always ask you to come along.

Look, you can kick up a fuss about it or just let things be. It doesn't really matter how you react, because the outcome remains the same. According to scientists, men's stress levels decrease when they occasionally find themselves in a group of only men. They feel calmer and more relaxed. So it makes sense that they need that from time to time and schedule it in their agenda. It's not that he does it on purpose; going out without you simply has factual benefits for him.

And does it apply the other way around, that we women really need girl’s nights to feel more relaxed? Or even better: sometimes need a girlfriend weekend to feel good? That hasn't been researched by science yet, but we can guess the answer.

Hey, darling, you have beers at football, we have nice wines at the spa: everybody happy. And okay, we will also plan a date night together. That's also nice sometimes.

FACTS

• Men drink an average of 7 beers per week with their buddies.
• A beer contains fewer calories (110) than a slice of bread with cheese (160).
• If there is a mobile phone on the table, the conversation between friends is already more superficial.
• Good friendships ensure that you eat better, live healthier, and even sleep better.