Mother Son Relations

So I pinned and then read this article about Mother and Son relationships in modern society.  It was a really interesting article.  She pointed out that though most of societies gender attitudes have changed (for example the relationship between father and daughter is encouraged) over the last 50 years, the attitudes about the Mother Son relationship has stayed the same.  She pointed to research that Mamma's Boys are less likely to be violent and act out and are also more likely to go to college.  Though I agree with her to an extent I have some problems with her ideas as well.  On the face of it I agree that mothers and sons should have very close relationships.  My mother and brothers are very close and there was a tight bond there.  I also hope to have that kind of close relationship with my son.  However, I also believe that boys should be aloud to be boys.  Lets just admit it *boy and girls are different* while a teenage daughter may want to talk about her feelings with a parent most boys don't.  And I don't believe that they should be forced to (except in situations of danger of course).  The door should always be open for communication but I don't believe it should be pushed on children, especially boys.  Now I want my kids to talk to me about things, and if I think they are into drugs or something else that is not appropriate then I will push the issue.  But if its about why they broke up with their girlfriend, if they don't want to talk about it I don't want to force it.

She also talked about sharing her problems with her son.  I feel like that is unhealthy for any child, boy or girl.  Parents should not be seen as perfect but it is not fair to burden children unnecessarily with your problems.  It goes back to the old saying 'you are not your child's best friend, you are their parent.'  I think that there is a very special bond between parent and child, that they can be close, share things, and have fun.  But I feel like that relationship is degraded when you call it a friendship, it is so much more.  My mom is my hero, my confidant, and my example,  she is so much more to me than any friend could ever be and I love hanging with her.  I hope someday to have that relationship with DJ and any other children that may come along.

What do you think about Mother Son relations?  Does being close to his mom make a sissy boy?