My son's birthday was yesterday.

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. How did we get that way?

>>>I remember my brother because of the time we spent together that day, and and what he meant to me (he passed away later that same year). I thought about the love we had for each other, but never let show. I don't remember ever hugging my brother, or getting a hug from him. As far as that goes, I don't remember any type of expression of affection for each other, other than sharing good times together.>>>>

I keep thinking I'll happen upon a good "economic determinism"-type explanation for why ( so many ) American males are like this.

Competitive mentality? ( Other men as potential adversaries) Puritanical origins of USA? ( British are infamous .... perhaps unjustifiably so... for being emotion-suppressors).
Fear of homosexuality? ( But other cultures are fearful also.) Bad toilet training?

I'll never figure it out.

Maybe it's not even true. But it does *seem* to be the case.

Congratulations on son's BDAY. Yes... we often become different people when we become parents. I'm not sure I would have recognized the person I am now.

Some of the change is good. Some I'm not so sure about. But I'm definitely different.