Actor Michael Ealy is encouraging men to reclaim the art of communication and vulnerability in relationships, saying that technology has made genuine human connection more difficult.
During a recent interview with 21Ninety at CultureCon, Ealy was asked where “the rest of the men like him” are — a question that sparked a heartfelt reflection on how dating and relationships have changed in the digital age.
“Maybe I’ll write a book or something,” Ealy joked. “It’s probably hard right now, but I think a lot of that stems from… men don’t know how to talk to women anymore. And I don’t know how much women know how to talk to men, to be honest with you, because I think the devices have gotten in the way.”
The “Reasonable Doubt” star went on to reminisce about the old days of direct, face-to-face communication.
“Back in my day, you told a woman how you felt face-to-face. I don’t feel like people have to do that anymore. I feel like people break up over text,” he said, pointing to how phones and social media have changed modern courtship.
Ealy, who has been married to Khatira Rafiqzad for 13 years, emphasized that expressing emotions and vulnerability is something men need to normalize — not shy away from.
Morris Chestnut Echoes the Sentiment
Ealy’s “Reasonable Doubt” co-star Morris Chestnut also weighed in, sharing his perspective on healthy relationships and communication.
“I think it’s really important to focus on substance — understand the perspective,” Chestnut said, referring to how couples can better navigate dating and conflict.
Chestnut, who has been married to his wife Pam for three decades, highlighted the importance of empathy and emotional awareness in maintaining long-term love.
A Growing Conversation on Emotional Intelligence
Both actors’ comments come amid a growing cultural conversation encouraging Black men to embrace emotional expression and vulnerability — challenging outdated norms of masculinity that prize silence and stoicism.
Ealy’s message serves as a gentle reminder that communication remains the foundation of any healthy relationship — and that the responsibility to improve it lies with both partners.
“Communication and vulnerability are key in any relationship,” Ealy said. “Both men and women have to do that work.”
