Men trying to "emotionally support" someone going through a rough situation might be as simple as going out on the lake to hang out fishing, disconnecting, barely discussing at all, and not prying at it or making fun if he's a little upset.

If your buddy doesn't bring it up himself, he doesn't want to talk about it. Simply giving him space to either not think about it, or be away long enough to process it in relative peace is worth its weight in gold in a male friendship.

This is something women never can understand, they always need someone hearing them talk before they can even think it themselves.