Clarification of a Previous Comment: What is a 'man-crush'?

When a young man finds himself between the ages of twelve and manhood (who knows when that is? We have no true rights of passage in American culture), he may find himself a man to admire. He may admire this man for several reasons, perhaps for some skill or ability, perhaps for lack of a father figure, perhaps for his popularity or position, for his authority, for his good qualities, or even for his good looks.

A young man is most susceptible to a man crush when he is yet vulnerable in his person, when he is still not sure who he is, who he wants to be, or where he wants to go.

Symptoms of a man crush may or may not include a mere sense of admiration for the man, feelings of nervousness when he is around him, a desire to get to know the man, or to even become like him someday. The ultimate symptom of a man crush that should be cause for alarm, is when one finds himself idolizing the man, and taking on his mannerisms, behaviors, and even his gait. At this the infatuated young man should either get a hold of himself and come to his senses, or seek psychological counseling.

Post scriptum: If parents are unsure as to whether or not their son’s man crush has reached a severe state, or if they want to watch for warning signs that their son might be susceptible to a man crush, they may want to seek insight from the current leading expert on the psychosexual development of young boys, Dr. James Dobson.