Friendship is a fundamental aspect of anyone’s life. It shapes who we are, how we see the world and how we act ultimately boils down to the people you surround yourself with. Although it is in the same realm, male and female friendships There is a popular saying that is used to describe this is that female friendships happen face to face while male friendships exist side to side.
A popular analogy captures the differences between male and female friendships, in which female friendships are like a harbour, steadfast, calming and comforting. It is a safe place where you can be your genuine self. A light in the darkness, a shelter from the storm. On the other hand, male friendships can be described using the sea which is ever-moving, sometimes rougher but always alive- never stopping, never ceasing. A playful push-and-pull through the ages. These bonds thrive on shared activities in which presence takes the bigger stand, can it be considered a friendship if there is no interaction at all?
This highlights the difference in how people define closeness in relationships. Guys typically bond in a more casual or physical sense, like over games, sports or school. However, while it is true that guy friendships seem more on the casual side, there are those moments of deep emotional talks on the kitchen floor over some McDonald’s fries or in hushed voices in a room, in knowing looks and encouraging smiles. Men are often made out to be self-reliant and independent; however, having a stable friend group supplies the much-needed support and sense of community. Cultural aspects in our society stifle the potential that male friendships can reach; however, there has been a gradual shift towards more open and authentic relationships.
Female friendships often face more emotionally vulnerable questions as conversation topics or starters. Late-night deep talks and emotion and action analysis can drag on through the night, and most of the time, you would walk away with meaningful advice or just relieved to get the pressure off your shoulders. Female friendships yearn for closeness, to know and to be known. It is a friendship that is cultivated through memories, effort and most importantly, patience that would ultimately stand with you through the thick and thin of life.
Even with the topic of the loss of a friendship, both guys and girls experience it differently. Male friendship loss is seen as more of a practical end; they don’t overthink the ending of the relationship, but that cannot be said the same typically for a female friendship. When a girl loses a friend, especially a close one, it feels like she has lost a part of herself in the process. The loss is felt on a deeper level for the female counterpart. This also ties back to the degree of emotional vulnerability and level of friendship that was shared.
Being friends with girls ends up involving a lot of emotional vulnerability after the initial ice has been broken, and while the journey has its bumps and cliffs, you always know that they will be a listening ear and the cheerleaders in your life. Being friends with guys leads to a different outlook on life and a shoulder to lean on, often being a physical support during times of difficulty.
Male and female friendships are 2 sides of the same coin, so it is unfair to compare them in any sense, but this article is just to highlight the different aspects of the friendship that either side places more importance on. Here is a quote that encapsulates the feeling of friendship:
- “A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be.” – Winnie the Pooh
Photo Source: Pinterest
Written by: Caelyn and Grace
Edited by: Sherman
