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I can not comment to much on the men telling men they love them. But in my family they do. Maybe it is respect?

But I always tell my family and "close" friends when talking to them either over the phone or leaving....that I love them. It is just me and that is how I am.

An example: My best friends boy friend. He has never told her that he loves her. They have been seeing each other now for over a year. One night I said when we were all parting love you guys! He stopped dead in his tracks and said. I never tell anyone that! Only my mother, kids and ex wife have I said those words.

Maybe with some people the love word is over used. And yes I've seen couples that said is over and over again. Like yes we all know that you love each other. lol

But when you've almost left this world and have another chance at life. For me I need to tell those close and dear to my heart that I care and love them.

Ummmm...errmmmm...welll, I don't have a problem telling someone that I love them, but just don't say it that often. It doesn't make much difference whether it's a guy or a gal, but I only say it if I really mean it.

No problems giving friends or family a hug or a kiss, and it's irrelevent if they're male or female. I didn't grow up in a warm huggy family, so with them it may be a bit more different than it is with friends.

I give my brother's kids hugs and kisses, and tell them I love them whenever I see them, and I don't think some kids get that often enough.

I agree, Shirley. Losing someone that I loved, and seeing death strike so close, made me realize just how short and precious life really is, and how important it can be to say "I love you" to those we do love. You never know if you'll have a chance to say it tomorrow instead.

It is mostly geographical... I grew up in New York in the 70's... But in Amish country in Ohio they express their love differently than in New York...

Ah, Kid...somehow kids are always able to be hugged and kissed by both genders. And yes, they should be, for I don't think children can ever have too much of it.

I grew up with a huggy, warm, emotional Dad and a distant, unable to express her love Mom. The first hug I truly remember getting from my mother was when I was 40, after a week-long battle of wits with my third (soon-to-be then) ex-husband. To this day, she can't say I love you. My father says it at the end of each phone call, and hugs often.

But he doesn't hug his male friends, he shakes their hands. From what you're saying, I'm reading it as you're more affectionate with your friends than your family, and it's because of their comfort level with it. Interesting.

I live near Amish country in both OH and PA. They're a very reserved people.

My thoughts exactly and that is the way I live now.

That's true but from the documentaries on them they love to hug alot and smile alot and are very friendly no matter if they are men or women... I would be uncomfortable around them being raised in New York... That's the difference...

All I know about the Amish that lives near me is that their horses always has to shit right in front of my house.

i ONCE HEARD IT STATED, "a MAN WILL NEVER TRULY IDENTIFY WITH HIS MASCULINITY, (damn caps lock ) until he can identify with his feminenity...

Yes, you're reading it right. I am an affectionate person in that regard, but I only have my mom and one brother that I ever get or give hugs to, other than his kids, in my immediate family.

With my friends it different, and I thank them for it, because without that human touch, even if it is only a hug, life would be a lot less enjoyable. I think we all need it, want it, and don't want to live without it.

I realise for some it's not that easy, and it wasn't always this way for me, but I've grown to appreciate it, and wouldn't want to live without it.

Ah, must be in private then, because in public I've never seen a show of affection. Interesting.

And no, New Yorkers are more like Brits...you need your personal space to be larger than, say, a Californian.

They say we should get a minimum of 5 hugs a day to be healthy. Yes, we were designed to touch and be touched. And I'm glad you're in-touch enough to realize that it's good for you, and to be thankful for such huggy friends.

I like that saying, Pat. I'll share that with my sons...when they're older and more comfortable in their skins.

Thankfully, even as teens, they still hug me.

I have a few good male friends since high school. We have no problem saying it. It's always been an still is " i love ya man". At a get together or even over a beer. Maybe thats why such a good friendship. Always honest with each other. Cheers all :)

Cheers, Bentlee. And awesome...for both the long-term friendships and the ability to express how you feel to each other.

So, Canadians are showing as being more able than most of their North American counterparts in the US to share emotion amongst males. Cool..that one was a surprise.

Personally i believe the key is. . . forget what others may think. And you'll live like you never have!

I guess the Amish may have put on a different face in the documentaries...

I was uncomfortable when I was in California as well...