I agree about normalizing open communication. I used to think as a young man (early 20s) that men and women can't be platonic friends but as I look back at all my long friendships I find them to be mostly women.

I've learned that men and women aren't that different at all, we all want the same key things. To be heard, to be valued, to be treated fairly. Sure nature has given us hormones to drive us together and make babies, but the more we communicate about all kinds of things we find out there is much value and joy in platonic friendships and crushes.

Thank you for the kind words about me and all the other men here (all great writers in their own right). I crush on a lot of you all too!