Fathers, Kiss Your Sons: The Importance of Masculine Affection

One of the most beautiful things in the world is to witness the love and affection of a father for their child. Interestingly enough, this relationship is often represented by a father hugging and kissing their daughter while the relationship of a father and his son is represented by a mini pair of Jordans or a kid-sized basketball rim while a proud father looks on. There is nothing wrong with these representations however, I've noticed that these images are littered with expectation and too often discredit the element of affection between father and son. 

I came across this image on Tumblr and it really resonated with me. 

Sensitivity is where affection comes from but unfortunately, today's society parallels sensitivity to weakness or reserves that trait for homosexual men. Sensitivity can even be a turn off to some women who think that a "Manly Man" isn't sensitive or affectionate. 

I believe that raising a man without the element of affection throws off an entire family dynamic. Imagine a man as the head of a household who was raised to believe that sensitivity was equal to weakness or a man who doesn't  know how to be affectionate because he was never shown affection. These men grow up to be husbands and fathers who have to learn how to be affectionate as they go. The problem with this is that when a woman starts looking for the man who will take her from her father as a bride, affection will be something she looks for in the relationship. When the time comes for a man to become a father he will perpetuate that lack of affection to his children. 

Fathers, kiss your sons. Teach them the value of the words 'I Love You' and show them the example of love as a verb in a masculine way. As important as it is for young girls to see affection from their fathers, it is equally important that young boys see the same. The sensitivity of a man is not expressed the same way as that of a woman and that is the example young men need to see.