Tuesday, December 6, 2011

a moho haiku and a question about friendships

I love my buddy
His smile brings me joy
A blessing of male

Throughout much of my life, I've been frustrated by the lack of reciprocity in many of my male relationships. I expected more than most straight men could authentically give and because of my own homophobia I was unwilling to explore opportunities for friendship with gay or bisexual men. Given this background I'm so grateful when there is reciprocity with a male friend.

Just before Thanksgiving, I felt inspired to make a simple thank you card and give it to one of my friends. Yesterday he reciprocated. Not with a card but with an early Christmas present. Maybe that's not reciprocal  but it was a wonderful surprise. Now I'm smiling as I think about some modest but meaning present I can give to him.

I'm curious about the friendships you have with straight males. Do you seek out these friendships? And do you exchange gifts at Christmastime?

2 comments:

  1. I'm grateful that you have experienced a sense of reciprocity with your straight males. My experience is that straight males are just that - straight. They don't think like I do, as much as I'd like to imagine otherwise.

    My days of gift giving have evolved from giving expensive gifts (easing my feelings of guilt) to just giving a special hug.

    Less risk, but still a sense of giving.

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  2. Having had a few, I can testify that your hugs are special and they are a gift. I hope you'll keep giving them out liberally.

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