Well, it is not exactly that simple. Like so many other things that go on, there are levels to it. I have two daughters, both magical creatures in their own right and separated by almost 9 years. Emotionally distant would never be an issue with me. Physically distant, well in most cases but not with the certain few. I never wanted children and here I have two, which is an oddity in itself. I believed the acts as an ultimate for of selflessness, I suppose. But like I said, there is much more to this than simple issues of gender, affection and guidance.

It is definitely an interesting topic and one that has consumed a good deal of my resources being raised by only a mother. But you are right and a good deal has to do with the overall environment. And I am not sure of your age, but our parents did things a bit differently. I think our generation in general is more self conscious of what we are doing and it reflects in our parenting. But it is still instilled in me that a father is pretty pointless and I think at times it reflects unconsciously and consciously in my parenting.

Just ask George Michael. Thank god for graffiti and bathroom wall advertising.

Ha. I got mine at twenty-eight. I also have two Masters just for show (one in English). My PhD was on revolutionary movements in Latin America, mostly Shining Path, but how they stretched their movement and inspired other causes (albeit less violent, in neighboring countries and what links could be established between then - i.e. Contras, Zapatistas) Quite a sprawl of a thing and the orals were never ending. But with Che so popular among the youngsters these days, my classes always seem full. phd in International Affairs. Congrats again. I realize the work involved. But now your work will really begin.

I did not know you were supposed to. Observation is key. My mother never said otherwise. Needless to say, I learned the hard way. What the fuck is a urinal, how do I sit in that? Oh the shame, the shame!!!

Sorry mate. Congrats. English I take it. Mine is in a drawer some five years old now. Ugh. Are you a young buck or just a professional student? So sahll we say Dr. Christof and Dr. poetandknowit.

I agree Christof. It does not make me uncomfortable, just humors me. I am taking it all from Robert Bly's book "Iron John." He makes a mockery of what it is to be a man, but started a movement to get in touch with the feminine side. Read it someday for a good laugh.

PhDs are overrated. So is drunken brawling.

I never had a breast and that has made all the difference. You have a good chance to raise a decent man (one not within the boundaries of a media definitions or marketing ploys). The only problem he might run into (as I did being raised only by a woman) is that at some point he might run into a period of over exaggerated testosterone (i.e. taking the offensive to make up for a lack of a male figure, unless, of course, he has one). Hey, just make sure he stands up to go pee!

We had the breast taken away to early. Our fear of abandonment reigns strong and forces up unnecessary defense mechanisms that we think are necessary to our mere survival. That is why we head out into the woods, bang drums and find our feminine side.

Do you scrabble in the nude?