This week my mom turned 60. I have a really close relationship with her and we can talk about pretty much anything. Nothing feels off-limits. With my dad it’s different. He’s 66 now and has always been more quiet and not very expressive when it comes to emotions. We do have something we connect over. We both watch sports, especially football, and we can talk about that pretty easily. But I’ve realized most of our conversations stay around those kinds of topics, and I don’t feel like I really know him on a deeper level. During my mom’s birthday it really hit me that they’re both getting older. It made me realize I want to know my dad better while I still can. The thing is, I don’t really know how to move beyond those surface-level conversations without it feeling forced. I’m guessing there are more men here who recognize this kind of relationship with their dad. How did you handle it? What actually helped you open things up? And for those who’ve lost their dad, is there anything you wish you had asked him while you still could? submitted by /u/zolarstig
Originally posted by u/zolarstig on r/AskMen