Throughout my childhood, I was always that girl who surrounded herself with friends who were guys. A good majority of my friends, especially my closest friends, have always been, and continue to be guys.
Growing up with a love for a plethora of sports, I have always found it easier to make conversation with guys due to that common interest. I have also found it easier to bond with guys in general due to the fact that they tend to be more easygoing and more accepting of things that are new and unique to them.
Over the years, my family has picked up on this trend and has questioned it on many occasions. When I was younger, I made sure I pointed out that I was friends with guys because they were nice to me. As I grew older, I found myself guilty of using the cliche excuse of "being friends with guys causes less drama" (yes, this might be a cliche, but I can tell you that this is usually true).
My family assumed that I would grow out of it and I assumed that I would too. I figured that I would take on more "girly," interests and I would be able to find ways to relate to other females. However, my family and I were all wrong. I never grew out of it.
Yes, I had a few friends who were girls throughout the years but they would come and go. It wasn't until I got older that I was able to make a few friends who are female who I could keep around. Ladies, you know who you are, and just know that I am thankful for your place in my life.
Regardless of this, I have noticed the trend, especially in college, that most of the people I have befriended in college are guys. I picked up on the fact that I feel the most comfortable when I surround myself with the friends that I have made who are guys, with a few exceptions of course.
With that being said, I also realized that this comes off as weird to the few girlfriends that I do have, to my family and outside observers as well. Yet, the question remains: why did it seem weird, or uncommon for me to be hanging out and spending the majority of my free time with my guy friends opposed to other girls? This is probably a question that I will never understand nor find an answer to.
Unfortunately, we live in a day and age where people cannot comprehend the fact that two individuals of different genders can be friends without any romantic or sexual feelings.
Yes, genetics and temptation exist and are real things that do come between some friendships, but that doesn't mean that we must give into those actions or thoughts. That also doesn't mean that they always exist either.
For whatever reason, it always seems to be an issue, especially with other girls when they see a girl around groups of guys and I don't think I will ever understand why.
A majority of the best people in my life and the people that I love with all my heart are the guy friends that I am lucky enough to have in my life. They showed that love and kindness can be expressed between members of different genders without the threat of it going beyond friendships.
Growing up having almost all guy friends has provided me with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. I am beyond thankful for the friends that I have made, and the time that I have spent with each and every one of them.
To my guy friends, you know who you are, please know that I love you and that I am thankful for your place in my life despite the way society may view our friendship. Thank you guys for everything.
