How can guys befriend a dude they had a physical fight with or even beat him?

[SeleneSecret]

My older brother's best friend Lance has been there for us during hardships. He's like a family to us. His major is child psychology and has participated in animal shelters too. However, I was shocked to find out how their friendship started. Both are now 24 year-olds.

I overheard a conversation that Lance was really a total jerk in middle school years and freshman year of HS. He targeted my brother, forcing him to do his homeworks or else a fight; shoplifted, a total rotten person. My brother got into a huge physical fight with him sometime in 9th grade. He had enough and both ended up with bruises and a busted lip. It was an even match. Both got suspended for a week or so. Ironically he didn't hate my brother afterwards. He even thought it was deserved. My brother was admired and respected since.

Needless to say I was shock. That was the end to that rivalry, end to the guy's old ways. Everyone was talking about it at school for a while. How do guys do that? You just fought the other dude, it's a epic moment and yet you befriend him afterwards. How?

Personally I can't imagine ever being friends with another girl I just fought with or if she beats me. Nope.

Updates

5 mo

I've heard of turning an enemy into a good friend but in that manner? How can you befriend someone you had a terrible physical fight with?

[Wallythewalrus]

I played hockey most of my life and have fought many guys that I hated! They were classless bullies on the ice. One guy in particular was the worst cheap shot artist in the league. So, one night we squared off and had a toe to toe go. Three games later, he was on my team! We became and still are best friends. He is actually god father to one of my daughter's. Guys fight for dominance and test each other, then gain respect for each other's strength and yes, will even become friends because there isn't anything to prove anymore.

[SeleneSecret]

yeah you guys work very different than us. I only stood up verbal against a girl once (regarding a speech project) last year and we just avoid/ignore each other. There is nothing in common with us, nothing to like and we have our own group of friends. Had it become physical and I were to lose the fight, I would greatly dislike her and likely want a rematch.

[Wallythewalrus]

It doesn't always work out the way I'm describing it, because there are people I fought that I still genuinely hate but we just learn to avoid each other.

[Billlewis]

Apparently this happens fairly often among guys. I've actually experienced it myself on several occasions.

[SeleneSecret]

Indeed it does. It rarely happens among girls. The only time it can happen between girls is either someone forces them to shake hands (though that would be fake friendship, lol) or an act of kindness was done to the point the other girl feels she owes kindness in return but we don't make up just after having a physical fight, nope.

[laraWM]

It's a bit unexpected, they have a healthy relationship?

[SeleneSecret]

yeah I was surprised to learn all that. I thought they started as normal friends and their friendship got stronger over the years, that sort of normal story. I didn't think he was a rotten person and a bully that my brother had to put in his place.

[laraWM]

Maybe it made him realized he was a bad human being

[spartan55]

Sure, guys get over stuff. Girls can't.

[SeleneSecret]

How do you guys get past that?

[spartan55]

Once we settle it there is usually no ill will...)

[spartan55]

If it never gets settled then it won't just go away.