The boy is drawn to an adult who takes him seriously and treats him respectfully. In a boylove relationship, the boy is afforded the chance to experience himself as a person. His spirit, as well as his body, are seen as a whole. Not as something that is still in the process - a developmental stage on the way to adulthood. A child is commonly viewed as someone who needs to grow up in order to become a person.
Society applies adult standards in order to shape and mould the child.
Personality traits that may be considered undesirable or inconvenient, are often removed in the process of child rearing and education. As part of a boylove relationship the older partner accepts and nourishes the spirit of the child. The boylover doesn't try to apply adult standards of behaviour in order force the boy's spirit to fit the mould. The boy experiences this acceptance of his own unique character as something very special and pleasant. He feels free to develop and grow, because his partner treasures his personality and takes it seriously.