“Moms are not going to have a loving, intimate, communicative relationship with their high school boys.”
Well…I have 2 high school boys and one 8th grader. I have a “loving, intimate, communicative relationship” with all 3…
Every one of them still gives me a hug and kiss goodnight every night (they initiate). When my oldest (17) returns from nights out (whether dates or just out with friends), I am the one waiting for his safe return. Dad is always in bed, asleep. So when he returns, 9 times out of 10, he will plop down on the couch and recount his night with me, sharing his excitement, his frustrations, his experiences…Most nights, we are up for an hour or so, just “talking”. I have overheard the conversations with dad the next day …
Dad: “So how was your night last night?”
Son: “Fine.”
Dad: “What did you do?”
Son: “Not much. Hung out.”
With me, he’s told me who was there, what movie they watched, how silly they all got when they played some video game, how they played hide and seek out in the dark park late at night, etc. I get faaaar more information…and it’s volunteered by him.
My other 2 are also very open in their communication with me.
They tell their dad very little, except if it has to do with sports.