I've always been the type of girl that really enjoyed a long day on the four-wheeler, in the canoe, or in the woods. Sure, going to the mall or enjoying a sleepover with ice cream and a Nicholas Sparks movie is fun, but I have never found as much enjoyment in that kind of stuff as I have in all the "boy stuff" my Dad introduced me to.
Growing up, I had exactly one girl friend who loved to do the same things as me, which is probably why she was my best and only close friend in high school. I never quite fit into a large friend group of girls because I'm just a tad wilder than any girl that I was ever really friends with. I always tried to force myself into being someone I wasn't in order to fit in with my few girl friends; I would act not as obnoxious, loud, or funny as I naturally was, but that was never really the solution. This year, I've learned that being yourself is the only way to find your true friends.
True friends are hard to come by, but I have two guys in particular that immediately come to mind. I met them seven months ago, and they have really helped me through so much, whether they realize it or not. Through the past seven months of having them in my life, I've been blessed with more laughter, smiles, eye rolls, and naps than I've had in a long time. I couldn't count the number of times they've pissed me off or made me cry, but I know the number of smiles or laughs they've brought me is much higher. We do literally everything together, and sometimes I can't decide if it's like having two boyfriends or two brothers. Whether it be a day full of mood swings, anger, stupidity or tears, they know what to do to bring me back and remind me that the small things really don't matter. Sometimes it's hard to not get caught up in life's little struggles, but my country boy best friends have taught me that the most important thing in life is to enjoy every moment, relax, and be yourself.
The thing about a country boy, is that they are all down-to-earth, genuinely good guys; that is, when you look past the redneck idiocy that they hide behind. They love their friends like family and they'll never be afraid to tell you how much you mean to them. Sometimes their love can sound a lot like "Oh hun, ya look like ya got hit by a bus", or "Lardy, you need a mint", or "Stop being so sensitive, you cry about everything" because they're the only ones that care enough about you to call out your flaws. In addition to being honest, they are so handy. They know the practical stuff, that you, being a girl, may not have been instantly born with the knowledge of. Everything from jump-starting your car or identifying the fish you just caught, to telling you that the guy you like is an absolute loser and will definitely break your heart, are qualities that these guys just have. They are so much fun; can turn any normal day into a crazy memory, and can make a joke out of anything. The fun things you like to do will never get old to them, and your company is always appreciated, as is your girl advice.
They may constantly tease you, but they are the realest friends you will ever have. You being yourself is more than they will ever ask for, and it is easy to feel safe in doing so. They've constantly got your back, and they know how to remind you that life is all about making the best out of every moment and having fun: that's what makes a country boy a damn good friend.
