Male Camaraderie

High school football players pose in town near my home.

    When teenage boys gather together, they express whatever is on their minds. They do it without drama. Their candor builds camaraderie. In turn, this camaraderie boosts the confidence of boys. It helps them mature.
    When boys enter manhood, this camaraderie takes a hit. Speech codes inhibit free expression in workplaces and colleges. Family life take precedence over hanging with buddies. Some elements of society frown upon tight bonds between heterosexual men.
    Some guys, myself included, still value close friendships between males.
    Most of my best friends are guys that I hung out with during high school. We still live near each other. Our get-togethers are like time warps. We speak with candor to each other, just as we did during adolescence. Our bond contributes to our happiness.
   Male camaraderie is good for men and good for culture.