It’s crazy how two words embrace so many emotions for a guy. They trigger the fighter while exposing the quitter. Most moms hate it when you say it to their sons, although we are partners in the creation of these other human beings. But all we’re doing as dads is trying our best to get out our sons’ best as well. With balance, and love connected to them, these can be the two most influential words in the developmental process of a young man.
Even if you’re not a fan of that type of tough love, you root for it and cheer for it when you see it.
Chris Paul, an incredible basketball player and a good friend, was in the middle of a serious play off game the other day when his hamstring started to give him trouble. The game was a nail biter that stayed tied most of the game. Chris being one of the leaders of his team — the Clippers — had a serious choice to make. He could submit to the pain, acknowledge his weakness, throw in the towel and put the weight of the game on the other players.