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Do boys have less intense, personal friendships than girls?

Being around boys all my life from having brothers, cousins, and classmates, I’ve come to an understanding that there is a significant difference between females and males and the ways they act in friendships. This came to my attention when I saw the hesitation to show physical affection towards one another after two of my male friends were constructed to hug.

For some background, my friend and I were getting ready to leave Sheetz since it was getting late and it was time to go home for the night. As we hugged to say goodbye, our guy friends questioned the reasoning behind us hugging to depart. When we were questioned about our interaction, we playfully instructed them to hug goodbye. Their unwillingness to do so led me to question what the big deal was in hugging a friend. Their reply was “Guys don’t do that” and “that’s unnecessary.” So, my question is: why do boys feel so awkward expressing emotions?

Research shows that as a boy grows up, feeling emotions surrounded by sadness, fear, and vulnerability is discouraged and frowned upon. The reasoning to this commonly asked “why” is not clear. It could be because of generational trauma where it’s been taught through chains of people to shut down emotions. It could be the fear of looking weak to others; because being aware and vocal of feelings is the epitome of “weak”, right? Unfortunately, many men have taken on the role of feeling like they need to provide a life that represents success and achievement, and they feel like there is no way they can willingly accept being anxious or depressed because that then takes away from their growth in their professional and social life. It may be uncomfortable for men to face their emotions because that would lead to having to confront truths that may be too hard to come to terms with.

The complicated factors that play into males’ limited affection and showcasing of emotions becomes more understandable when it’s recognized that this is all foreign concept to them. If boys can’t even advocate for their emotions by themselves, it’s no wonder that they struggle to show emotions towards their friends, especially if the struggle of showing emotions is mutual on both ends of the friendship. As time and society progresses, experts are hoping to create ways for men to feel comfortable in expressing their true thoughts and feelings, so that the barrier of being closed off can break down and the cycle of toxic masculinity can end. Ways for this to happen is to advocate for men to join communities and groups that support communication and friendships that are centered around openness, vulnerability, and understanding of others.

The negative effect of Internet slang on everyday language

As time progresses and the media becomes more prevalent in everyday life, different pockets of “slang” and “lingo” fosters itself through creators’ words on different platforms, which then follow into real-life conversations. When you hear the phrases “rizz” or “no cap” you might laugh to yourself thinking of the irony of hearing these foolish words in an actual conversation because of the informality that these words symbolize. It seems harmless when you think about it briefly but if you look into the situation in depth, you can understand the negative effects slang is posing on everyday language.

The obvious complications slang words create is the miscommunication and misunderstandings through conversations because some people may not understand what words are being said.

Teachers are saying that slang words are now showing up in essays, formal writing, exams, etc. Students are struggling to separate slang words from correct terms that are supposed to be used in school settings. The challenge to limit slang use for students will only create more issues when they grow up and try to get a new job opportunity. It wouldn’t be a good look to say to the interviewer the acronym “IDK” when asked a question, right?

In summary, slang can be a fun way to make conversations interesting and light hearted, but there has to be an understanding of when it is and is not appropriate to use those terms, because if not it can create barriers in communication in official situations and between different age groups.

Why do students really want to move far for college?

As my junior year is coming to an end, and my senior year is approaching, many people ask about after high school decisions, specifically personal college choices. Through many conversations with different people, I have explained my goal is to stay located in Pittsburgh for college for a few reasons. Those being that I love my family, and I am very close with my parents and siblings. I have an older sister staying close to college and three siblings who are getting into high school and middle school, which are important years that I want to be around to see and support them through. I also am eager to explore my home city from a different perspective that is solely myself and new people I will meet throughout my college years. Another fact is that Pittsburgh has many solid college choices and I feel privileged to have the ability to be in the mix of such flourishing schools. But when I quickly tell people “Oh I’m planning on staying close to college” I get a sense of judgment and confusion from the other side of the conversation, and it’s made me wonder what is the stigma around staying close for college and why do students really want to move far away?

Many high school students experience difficulties in finding a place of belonging because of the inconsistency between relationships, friendships, reputations, etc. The thought that “escaping” their hometown will allow them to run away and forget about any issues that were rooted from their teen years, usually housed by their high school memories isn’t exactly an accurate assertion. What many people don’t realize is that key points in childhood and teen years will follow you no matter where you travel to, because those experiences are what make you the person that you are.

What people need to realize is that there will always be pros and cons in where you go to further your life and education. No matter what you decide to do with your life, remember that even if it doesn’t align with someone else’s plans that doesn’t make yours less valuable, same as it doesn’t make someone staying close to home less important either. There should be an understanding that everyone has their own reasons and preferences, and it is important to encourage one another to pick the choice that would suit them best and satisfy their needs most.

The importance of travel

Traveling away from everyday life is important for so many reasons. It allows chances to venture out, and endure new experiences that will become long lasting memories. It teaches you lessons of enjoying the presence, and appreciating the moments that are happening in a place that will turn into something you will soon cherish and hold tightly in your heart.

Mexico-

The past two years, my family and I have vacationed to Cancun, Mexico for our spring break trip. From the time spent there, I made amazing memories with my family that we look back on fondly, and laugh about the wonderful time we spent together as a family. The staff at the resort we stayed at was so kind and friendly, which makes the experience 10x better. As a family of 7, it can be hard to spend time together with all 7 of us for long periods of time because of conflicting schedules and different obligations. Mexico is a special place for my family because we have the time to dance, eat new food, explore the area, and create moments that we will never forget. Traveling for my family is so important because we can see a different culture and make memories as a family in a special, exciting way.

Jamaica

I also traveled to Jamaica for a mission trip in June of 2023 and it was the best experience of my life. I had the opportunities to serve my church, Jesus, and people with disabilities in a special way that ultimately changed my life. Through my week, I was able to see beautiful sights of Jamaica, specifically the waterfalls, beaches, mountains, and valleys that create the beautiful country. Jamaica has such kind people who are so caring and friendly. Having this opportunity showed me the importance of seeing and exploring the world in a raw, non-glamorized way because it revealed so many hidden treasures of such a beautiful part of the world.

The personal impact of my mission trip to Jamaica

In the springtime of 2023, my parents informed me that my sisters and I were asked to join a group of highschoolers to go down to Jamaica to serve as missionaries to disabled adults, children, and infants. Originally, I was turned off by this idea and didn’t have much of an interest in spending my first week of summer going away from my home. I was worried about missing out on graduation parties, hanging out with friends, how I’d be without the comfort of my family, etc. I was thinking about any possible issue to occur while I was away and used ghat as an excuse of why I didn’t want to go. My parents made the executive decision that this opportunity was something that would be “life changing.” I, of course, rolled my eyes and thought they were being over the top with the assumption that I would enjoy this.

I woke up on the Saturday of June 3, 2023 and was anxious and scared of going on this mission trip. I was at peace knowing I had my sisters with me but besides that I was extremely worried about leaving my parents for a week. Fast forward from the long travel day, the group arrived in Jamaica. We went to the place we would stay for the week, called Sophie’s Place, and did a few icebreakers to get to know one another. I immediately dreaded the following days because I assumed this group of people would be awkward and hard to talk to. We went to bed and woke up early in the morning to get our first day started. Little did I know that this day would kickstart the shift in perspective and values that ultimately changed my life.

As I traveled with my mission group throughout different areas in Jamaica, I was able to see the true happiness present in the residents of the villages I was serving. Each individual there had some sort of set back, whether it be disability, intellectual issues, childhood abandonment, or sickness, they all shared the trait of pure happiness and joy that was infectious. I was there to show them love, guidance, and support through acts of service but I received that back but only 10 times stronger. The residents I met helped me more than I could ever help them because they symbolized what true love is and how they embrace the presence of Jesus.

My faith grew so much stronger after my mission trip and I was able to understand the importance of loving others the way God loves all of us. I didn’t realize how profound and life changing this mission trip would be but I can confidently say that it has made me a better person and taught me to be grateful for everything, I have learned the importance of spreading a Christ-centered love to others and hope that my experience can motivate others to go outside of their comfort zone in order to push themselves to new opportunities and potentially life changing events.