My sons' dirt bike friends -- the whole group of guys who enjoy dirt biking -- are a great crew. It's the shared interest that draws them together, but it becomes more than that. (And b/c these guys ride & race dirt bikes, injuries are nearly inevitable, so they've all learned a lot of giving & receiving support at pretty young ages)
So lovely when a shared interest brings together such support into our sons' lives! It takes time, but you are so right, it is wonderful when the shared interest evolves into deep meaningful friendships for our boys.
Oh definitely! Deep meaningful friendships for boys involve much less discussion of emotional experience but doesn't mean it isn't there. Lots of shared experiences, teasing, and similar behaviors. Just looks a little different from the outside, as you mentioned. So true!
It was reassuring to read this. I worry about the toxic masculinity I see creeping into my son's friendship groups as they get older. It's good to be reminded that there are positive things about their friendships too. Nothing is all good or all bad.
Thanks, Julie! I know exactly what you mean. There is so much worry involved in parenting and something I see a good bit as a psychologist. But it is also important to try to focus on the positive. Glad you found it reassuring!
My sons' dirt bike friends -- the whole group of guys who enjoy dirt biking -- are a great crew. It's the shared interest that draws them together, but it becomes more than that. (And b/c these guys ride & race dirt bikes, injuries are nearly inevitable, so they've all learned a lot of giving & receiving support at pretty young ages)
So lovely when a shared interest brings together such support into our sons' lives! It takes time, but you are so right, it is wonderful when the shared interest evolves into deep meaningful friendships for our boys.
And for anyone else who is reading: "Deep meaningful friendships" also involve plenty of joking around, shallow comments, and dumb stunts ;)
Oh definitely! Deep meaningful friendships for boys involve much less discussion of emotional experience but doesn't mean it isn't there. Lots of shared experiences, teasing, and similar behaviors. Just looks a little different from the outside, as you mentioned. So true!
It was reassuring to read this. I worry about the toxic masculinity I see creeping into my son's friendship groups as they get older. It's good to be reminded that there are positive things about their friendships too. Nothing is all good or all bad.
Thanks, Julie! I know exactly what you mean. There is so much worry involved in parenting and something I see a good bit as a psychologist. But it is also important to try to focus on the positive. Glad you found it reassuring!
Great ideas!!1