“Is that your boyfriend?”

“Are y’all hooking up?”

“Why are you always with guys?”

“Do you even have friends that are girls?”

“Why do you hang out with them so much?"

Ever get tired of having to explain yourself for hanging out with your guy friends? I know I do.

I couldn’t be more thankful for my guy friends, I know they always have my back.

I know how I am as a person and how much of a mess I can be at times, yet they always are there to listen and make me feel better on the worst of days. And on the good days, the laughter just won’t stop.

No one seems to understand anymore that guys and girls can be friends. Shocking, right? That best friend relationship is something I will never take for granted with my guy friends. They take time to explain to me just how and why guys may act how they do. They can tell me why my car is acting how it is, or even explain sports concepts I don’t understand after cheering the team on for years.

I’m thankful for how protective these guys can be of me. Not everyone is who they say they are, so thank you for every night you’ve gotten me home safe, pretended to be my fake boyfriend, and for making sure I never get involved with any guy that isn’t good for me, even if I’m stubborn and don’t see it in them at first.

They are always honest with me even if it’s not easy for me to hear. I may think they’re being a jerk or mean, but almost always it’s in my best interest.

One thing I’ll always be thankful for is the confidence boost they give me at times. Some days can be harder than others, and I’ll be putting myself down. They know how to comfort me and then make me laugh, comfortable in my own skin.

I think one of the biggest struggles is getting any guy I am or could potentially date to understand the relationship I have with these guys. I’ll never let a relationship ruin the friendships I’ve built.

Being one of the guys doesn't always mean you have the highest score on video games or know every football player and their stats, but it means you're with a group of guys who are just as comfortable around you as you are around them. There's mutual feelings about caring for one another as well as being chill and down for whatever.

I don’t know where’d I’d be without these guys. From late night food runs to going for a walk when I need a study break, they’re always down for an adventure.