Often films and movies portray fathers as strict parents who don’t show physical affection towards their sons. However, that isn’t always the case in real life. Recently, Twitter user John Cardillo shared an image of Joe Biden expressing love for his son and asked everyone if they felt that their interaction was appropriate. Soon, a lot of men responded to say that it was completely normal.
Does this look like an appropriate father/son interaction to you? pic.twitter.com/XDMIsgjUKI
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) October 22, 2020
People spoke against toxic masculinity and shared their own relationships with their fathers. Many also went on to say that they were not afraid to show the same love to their sons, no matter their age.
My dad kisses me on the cheek to this day.
Toxic ass beliefs really still exist, men also show affection to each other and there isn’t anything wrong with it. https://t.co/xmny7WzKoZ
— Xaví ✈✌ (@angeeeeeeel_) October 23, 2020
I kiss my 3 boys all the time. Hug them, too. It sustains me.
(13yo daughter offers a firm handshake, fwiw) https://t.co/OQ3hUzxkRe
— Kai Ryssdal (@kairyssdal) October 22, 2020
I have three grown sons. We hug and kiss on the cheek now as much as when they were little. It’s called affection. It’s called love. You’re a sad, disturbed person who’s projecting. And I’d bet big money you’ve repeatedly made your horse very uncomfortable. https://t.co/4lO10lmo8m
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) October 22, 2020
Most definitely. My late father taught us from a young age that two brothers or a fathers to his son should never be ashamed to show affection including a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. It’s not just appropriate. It’s beautiful. And I will miss it forever. https://t.co/PqZTh1r5wb
— Gene Sperling (@genebsperling) October 22, 2020
Yes. My dad kissed me and told me he loved me and inspired me to be the best person I could be and respect people and take/give love because it’s the most important thing in the world. I miss him everyday. https://t.co/xiPsKGP3FJ
— Richard Shepard (@SaltyShep) October 22, 2020
The answer is yes.
I kiss my son, hug him, hold him tight. Tons of tender moments with my little dude. He’s gonna grow up secure, strong, brave, and he’ll always know that he’s loved. So, yes. Keep holding them tight @JoeBiden. https://t.co/45gAz5njUO— Joshua DuBois (@joshuadubois) October 22, 2020
I mean, yeah. My dad kisses my forehead as a grown ass adult.
Stop shaming men for showing emotion. https://t.co/XfQoosKSnf
— Gabe Of The Dead 🧟♂️ (@gabeontheradio) October 22, 2020
I’m 29 and my dad still kisses my forehead and calls me boo. So maybe I’m biased https://t.co/FZiVUx1g2X
— J. Jackson (@sirTRIPLA_) October 22, 2020
I kiss my son all the time. He’s fifteen. I’ll kiss him till the day I die. And not all the repressed man box masculinity bullshit in the world will change that. You do disconnection, Ima do love and connection.
— Mark Greene (@RemakingManhood) October 22, 2020
Some Twitter users shared images of this strong, caring bond between the men in their families. Take a look.
Yes, it does. Sad that you can’t recognize the true affection a father has for his son. My father hugged and kissed all ten of us – including my only brother. Here’s a photo of just one of the hugs – a particularly poignant one as my dad had just learned he had terminal cancer. pic.twitter.com/iBrsDp4bSW
— Amy Kolb Tucker (@AmyKolbTucker) October 23, 2020
#FatherAndSon pic.twitter.com/wg5jglhdPQ
— Nurse Papa the book (@NursePapa) October 23, 2020
Yes! My dad and brother last year while my parents were caring for him while battling cancer! pic.twitter.com/fVvYGdOhnS
— Melisa Bueno (@MelisaAnn46) October 23, 2020
I’m truly sorry you don’t have a good relationship with your father -I really am pic.twitter.com/V8KNyiPK9q
— Brian Cuban (@bcuban) October 22, 2020
Same energy
As father to a now 8 month old son who smothers him in hugs & kisses at any given opportunity I can only hope he still lets me kiss him like that when he’s that age.
It’s more than just appropriate, it’s a fantastic role model for how fathers should be with their sons pic.twitter.com/8bXQcVf8Kt— David Hooks (@PoliticsScot) October 22, 2020
What’s your relationship with your father like? Tell us!