Re: 'Young Friend'
Submitted by Nate on May 18 2002 22:56:10
In reply to 'Young Friend' submitted by Genghis on May 18 2002 14:44:03
|
Hi Genghis, I am not sure if I can give an official definition for "young friend", but I guess I can tell you what I mean when I use the term. Actually, I think that it can have many shades of meaning for each person and each relationship. But, in general, I use the term to describe a boy for whom I have come to care deeply and who has shown that he cares for me. It is someone who I feel a committment towards in the relationship - far more than "just friends". I shy away from the boyfriend/girlfriend analogy, though. My own feeling is that that kind of relationship would place an unfair expectation on a young man. My expectations in a yf relationship are that I get to come alongside him for a time in his life and support him and help him grow. I fully expect him to grow beyond his "need" for me eventually and I want to support and encourage him when that happens. So, for me it is a mentoring relationship that I am building. More than one? Sure! But jealousy can still become a problem! If you are lucky, sometimes your yfs can become supportive of each other. For several years, when I would come over, 2of4 and 3of4 would run to the kitchen and have a "conference". Then, one would come out and sit next me and be friendly, and the other would stay in the dining room on the computer. Ha ha! The boys were keeping track of whose "turn" it was and had it all worked out! I was always cafeful to go give a big hug to the "loser", though! Peace, Nate |
Follow ups: