There’s this guy I’m friends with. our relationship is complicated but also simple. We are both late 30s (I’m f he’s m). We have a mutual friend which is how we connected. We both became single around the same time and neither of us wants something serious right now…but we have connected mentally, emotionally, and physically.

He’s very special to me and I think I am to him as well.

Long story short, he wants a piece of jewelry - a necklace. I want to get this for him and he says it would be very special to him if I picked it out.

He wants something he can wear daily. Something meaningful.

I’m not a great gift giver and I’m struggling. I’d like something symbolic of his strength but also his vulnerability. He’s been through a lot the last few years and he’s now coparenting with his ex with has proven to be a challenge.

I’ve thought about symbols for his kids. Thought about his birthday or zodiac. But everything seems…cliche.

Any advice on symbols that mean a lot to you as a man? Specifically symbolic of being strong and reliable but also vulnerable and caring?