Formerly a prank, the viral trend of men calling each other to say “good night” is now transforming male friendships and challenging outdated ideas about masculinity.
At a Glance
- Men are calling male friends to say “good night,” sparking a viral TikTok trend
- Initial confusion often gives way to appreciation, revealing a gap in emotional connection
- Psychologists say the trend challenges harmful masculine norms
- Experts see potential for reducing male loneliness through small acts of emotional openness
- The calls are simple yet powerful tools for deeper, healthier friendships
The Rise of the Good Night Call
A charming and unexpected TikTok trend is making waves for its sincerity: men calling their male friends just to say “good night.” It started lightheartedly—wives and girlfriends secretly recording the calls—but soon struck a deeper chord. Posts like one from couple Shae & Chris have gone viral, with another by Kassadi Lavrinovich earning over 2.5 million views. The reactions—initial laughter giving way to heartfelt responses—highlight a rarely tapped reservoir of male emotional expression.
These nightly check-ins, filmed across TikTok, show men breaking away from typical social norms to connect on a more personal level. The sheer novelty of the gesture underscores how rare such intimacy is in male friendships—and why it resonates so strongly.
Breaking the Stoic Stereotype
According to psychologist Ronald Levant, long-standing social norms discourage men from being emotionally expressive. “I do think we give up a lot of comfort and health, actually, in not being more connected with people,” he said.
The simplicity of the good night call is its genius: it’s a low-stakes, high-impact expression of care. Unlike dramatic confessions or big heart-to-hearts, it’s a brief moment that affirms friendship—and that, experts say, is exactly what makes it sustainable.
From Prank to Paradigm Shift
What began as a joke may be quietly ushering in a shift in how men relate to one another. Levant believes the trend could stick: “I can see how some men might say, ‘Eh, it started off as a spoof, but let’s go with it,’ and then be pleasantly surprised by how good it feels.” The TikTok comment sections reflect this—many men say they were moved by the calls or inspired to start doing them too.
These gestures are particularly relevant amid rising awareness about the epidemic of male loneliness. Numerous studies have shown that men, especially in mid-life, struggle to maintain deep friendships. The nightly “good night” ritual offers a deceptively simple remedy.
A Model of Vulnerability
The awkward laughs that often accompany these first-time calls only reinforce their significance. They reveal how deeply the norms of emotional restraint are embedded—and how rare it is for men to simply say “I’m thinking of you” without an occasion. Yet as the trend spreads, it models a healthier, more emotionally open version of masculinity.
What makes this phenomenon unique is its accessibility: no therapist or group therapy needed. Just a phone, a minute, and the willingness to be vulnerable. As more men adopt this habit, they may find themselves building stronger, more resilient friendships with surprisingly little effort.
In a digital world overflowing with noise, one genuine “good night” could be the quiet revolution that many men didn’t know they needed.
