Men Openly Discuss Friendship, Emotions, and Fatherhood in Zagreb Talk Show

Last night's 'Ženska priča' (Women's Story) talk show, held in a sold-out SAX! club, delved into the intriguing and often misunderstood topic of the 'male code.' This episode, featuring guests Boris Jokić, Amar Bukvić, Ivan Dečak, and Vlado Šola, offered a rare and candid glimpse into the male psyche, challenging conventional notions and fostering a deeper understanding of male relationships and emotions. The discussion, characterized by its honesty, humor, and moments of profound emotional depth, resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom are accustomed to seeing such intimate conversations framed through a female lens.

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We agreed that there is no single answer, but friendship, loyalty, and honesty are fundamental values that run through all relationships.

The guests agreed that while a universal 'male code' might not exist in a rigid sense, core values such as friendship, loyalty, and sincerity are fundamental. Boris Jokić emphasized the enduring nature of male friendships, particularly those forged in school, and the importance of leading by example as a parent. Ivan Dečak shared his experiences with disappointment in friendships due to misplaced trust, highlighting his current approach to building relationships more cautiously. He also spoke about the mental discipline derived from sports and the delicate balance of encouragement and freedom he strives for as a father. Amar Bukvić spoke about how his wife's friends became his own close confidants, sharing daily life and family moments. Vlado Šola discussed friendships that extend beyond mere conversation to tangible, everyday support, and how sports taught him resilience in the face of both victory and defeat.

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Boris Jokić emphasized how important male friendships are in certain life phases, especially those from school days that often remain the most enduring.

What makes this discussion particularly noteworthy from a Croatian perspective is its departure from the often-stereotyped portrayal of men in media. Here, we saw men openly discussing their vulnerabilities, their fears, and their deep emotional connections, particularly concerning fatherhood and friendship. The anecdotes shared, from Bukvić's emotional response to his children's births to Dečak's poignant description of witnessing his child's birth, underscore a modern masculinity that embraces emotional intelligence. This conversation is crucial in a society where traditional expectations can sometimes discourage men from expressing their feelings openly. The fact that this discussion, titled 'Women's Story,' provided a platform for men to explore these themes highlights a progressive shift, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of gender dynamics and the shared human experience of connection and vulnerability. It’s a conversation that needed to be had, offering a valuable counterpoint to how such topics are often discussed, or more commonly, avoided, in mainstream discourse.

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He also noted how important honesty is in relationships and how crucial it is to show the values we want to pass on to children by example, especially as a parent.