A place for open letters to the good people of the world.

F8V,

Welcome to the jungle.

I've got fun and games ... ask Flash,
bam

 

Dearest Bam-Bam,
Play with me.
Much love,
Flash

 

Flash,

One of the few things I don't like about Friends is how physically close Ross and Monica are, always hugging and holding and caressing -- not in a sexual way, but comforting. I was never that way with any of my sisters, and I can't name any friends who are, either. I just think it's a bit odd.

Mike

 

Mikey,

You're just jealous. That's why you don't like Friends.

Helpfully,

F_T

 

F_T,

If I went the rest of my life without ever holding my sisters, I'd be OK with it.

Mike

 

Mike,

I've never had siblings, so I can't say I know where you're coming from. Sorry.

F_T

 

F_T,

No one in my family is outward with their feelings or emotions. In fact, my parents and I went about two years without regular conversation outside of holidays. We're not the norm, by any means, but I don't think what we see on Friends is close, either.

Mike

 

Mike,

My family is a set of contradictions. One side is Cuban with everything associated (including greater shows of affection/emotion, etc.) and the other is Puritanical reserve, except my maternal grandmother who's just eccentric.

And sometimes I wonder why the hell I'm confused.

F_T

 

F_T,

My family has been business-first since I can remember. The first time I told a girl "I loved you" -- in 2000 -- was the first time I remember saying those words in succession. We make fun of each other. We don't comfort each other. I'm cool with that because it's made me who I am. But whenever I see that closeness portrayed, it usually baffles me a bit.

Mike

 

Mike,

What I'm just saying is I came from a background with one side of the family being very affectionate and the other being very reserved. I go from one culture where two guys kissing affectionately was and is looked at askance to one where it's just a customary greeting in a short drive down the road.

That's the source of my awkwardness, my friend,

F_T

 

F_T,

Families are weird.

Mike

 

Mike,

On THAT, we can both agree.

F_T