There’s a saying in the South that goes, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”  I was raised on this aphorism and felt it acutely around special occasions such as Christmas, Mom’s birthday, and, of course, Mother’s Day.

Growing up, it was always interesting to me that the same amount of fastidiousness wasn’t applied to Dad’s birthday or to Father’s Day.  As a boy, this seemed demonstrably unfair, but as I’ve gotten older and entered the ranks of parents, I think I understand why the disparity exists.  I think it has to do with our need for a protection that is both intimate and nurturing.

Now, right off the bat, I can hear the internet criticizing this opinion.  “Men can be just as intimate as women,” the web might say.  Or “This opinion of yours that mothers are more nurturing than fathers is sexist.”  And I am sure there are millions of counter-examples to refute everything I’m going to write. […]