Growing up, I was a tomboy. I wore my hair in a pony tail 24/7 and the only time you’d see me in a dress was for family pictures or Christmas dinner. I was really into sports, playing outside and getting dirty. I only started wearing my hair down, dressing up and "acting like a girl" when I was in high school. I didn’t really ever have boyfriends, but I also didn’t mind.
My mom told me at a young age to try and stay out of drama. I soon understood why. Girls are mean. They are catty and get mad at each other for dumb reasons. They gossip and constantly talk bad about others. Now, if you're lucky, you’ll be able to find an incredible group of girl friends. While I was one of the lucky ones and couldn’t be happier with the girls I call my friends, there’s also something to be said about have a great group of guy friends as well.
The first time my guy friends told me “you're like one of the guys” I was kind of taken aback. I knew I fit in with boys, mostly because I grew up with two brothers, but I still didn’t know what to think. So many people out there want to be the girl that make all the boys go googly-eyed. For a while, I thought that too, but then I learned how much I would be missing out on if I didn't have such good relationships with my guy friends.
Now, I can say that I love being ‘one of the boys’.
These are the reasons why:
1. You can eat as much as you want and they won't care. Craving a huge burger or a whole pizza? Eat it. The boys will be impressed at the amount you can eat instead of judging you. They’ll cheer you on when you're down to that last slice and feel extremely bloated.
2. They remind you of your brothers. Growing up with brothers was something special. I got tackled nearly every day and constantly got made fun of, but at the end of the day my brothers were my best friends and I could look to them for anything. My guy friends tackle me when I walk through the door and don’t let me out of a headlock until I'm nearly dead. A lot of girls may think that’s weird, but I love it because it’s what I grew up with.
3. They have a different perspective than girls. If you’re having boy problems or even fighting with a girlfriend, they often know exactly what to say. They have the inside scoop on what boys like and will be the first to admit if you did something that was stupid. They are more straight up with you and will tell you if they don’t agree with you.
4. You can look like a slob when you're with them. If you’ve been deemed ‘one of the guys’, you don’t need to impress them. You can roll up in baggy sweatpants and hair up in a messy bun. If you're lucky they’ll even lend you some super comfortable sweatpants or sweatshirts.
5. Need a date somewhere? They’ll gladly accept. One of the best things about having guy friends is the ability to go on a ‘no strings attached’ date with them to a dance, wedding, etc. when you're single and are in need of someone to go with. Only downside? Everyone will now think that you're dating. (Oh well).
For all of you girls who have been called ‘one of the guys’, don’t take it personally. In my eyes, it’s a compliment because they enjoy your presence and want to be friends with you. Enjoy being ‘one of the guys’. It’s a great time, I promise.
