Tell your mates you love them this May 8

Good news! Times are changing. We’ve found that this generation of men are getting better at telling their mates they love them.

A survey conducted by Speight’s found that 7 out of 10 of Kiwi males under 35 have told a mate they love them in the last six months, which is nearly three times more than those over 50.

But we can do better!

It was found that some parts of the country are more affectionate than others.

Those who live in the North Island were 7.5 times more likely to be 'very comfortable' in saying 'I love you' to their mates compared to those in Otago.

However, despite hesitation around saying the words ‘I love you’, 98 per cent of participants of the survey said they have found other ways to express their love for their mates.

The most common way Kiwi males express love to their mates is with a hug or a slap on the back, followed by complimenting them, doing an act of service or buying them something small… like a cold beer perhaps?

Of all who participated 58 per cent wished men would say ‘I love you’ to their mates more often.

So, this month, we’re partnering with Speight’s to celebrate Mates Day (May8 - get it?), creating a light-hearted reason to show appreciation to your mates and tell them you love them.

Mateship is important to all Kiwi’s, and that’s why Speight’s are actively working to break down the barriers Kiwi men face to make it normal for them to express their love for each other.

We at LADbible New Zealand reckon this is a pretty good idea, so we’re getting behind it too.

We know that men talk to their mates all the time, but it’s mostly joking around and often they don’t open up about the important things. This is what turns a good mate into a great mate.

With Speight’s, we went to a Highlanders game in Otago and found a whole lot of good mates to tell each other they love them, and we’re encouraging you to do the same thing!

Speight’s pride themselves on honouring good men and encouraging greater mateship. Celebrating the acts of sacrifice and generosity that help mates become better mates, by going beyond physical support and into emotional commitments. And for that we say: Good on ya Speight’s! Now go and tell your mate you love them this May 8.

Good on ya May8 (maate)