Theory: Men socialize by insulting each other but they really don’t mean it. Women socialize by complimenting each other, they don’t mean it either.
As a man, I have long been perplexed by this phenomenon, more curious is the result that men seem to have fewer self esteem issues and long term ill effects from the relentless onslaught of taunting and insulting each other. I can also relate that though the insult might be slight, an insult from a stranger bears far more weight on me than an insult from any of my friends. Perhaps part of the male friendship dynamic is in fact the ability to be more honest with one another and what we truly think about each other? Is that lacking in female relationships or has it adapted to a more empathic state of mind?
I think men are more physical while women are emotional but our experiences in life can drastically change these things to the other side. For example a guy who has many sisters and women friends will be more emotionally aware and give certain people (depending on the situation) a white lie to boost confidence. While he will still be able to interact with other guys in the norm a little ribbing while watching a game or something. Similarly the same applies to females, a women can study or just her choices and experiences in life can make her a tomboy or highly logical or both. Although men and women’s behaviors are innately different our experiences with people define us socially. One needs to know who can take a joke during a social situation and who can’t. So yes some men do, and yes some women do but there is always the exceptions.
One thing is for sure, hanging out with your best buddies. You tend to compliment each other, and when you have to, you insult each other. I truly believe in this saying :
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“A true friend stabs you from the front”
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