Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love my girlfriends, and this article is not to say you don’t need them because you absolutely do. But, we all know that girls can be a lot to handle sometimes.

My guy friends have become people I can laugh with, I cry with, I can yell at, but more than anything, I can be happy with. I am so thankful to have grown up with so many great guys, all of whom my mom would love as a son-in-law.

1. There's no drama with boys.

Girl drama is the worst, and no matter how old we get, the petty quarrels seem to prevail. It blows my mind how often girls my age bicker about trivial matters and cause each other such distress over nothing. But luckily, this is where boys come in. Any girl who is friends with a boy will agree there is undeniably less clashing with them. For whatever reason, boys seem to just go with the flow, making them easy to get along with.

2. Then they give the best advice because they’re never involved in the drama.

Because they’re on the outside of your fights, they can help you to look at the bigger picture, and decide what to do. Guys are great about helping you calm down when a friend is making you really angry. My guy friends are great about helping me take a deep breath and figure out the best way to solve whatever my problem is!

3. They don't judge.

There is absolutely no pressure to be cool around your guy BFF. You can let loose and show an unfettered personality around them, and you can absolutely hang out with them without makeup on because there’s almost no chance they’ll even notice anything different.

4. They’re straightforward.

Boys are straight-forward. They say what they mean, and they don’t text in some ambiguous code that you have to spend hours deciphering before carefully constructing a flawlessly-worded response. If you ask them if they’re free, they’ll say “yes” or “no,” not “I’m busy from 5:57-6:39 then I have to eat and shower then I have a meeting but I’d love to catch up!” Basically, when you need a direct answer, boys can give that to you.

5. ...but when they’re not, guy friends can help you with boy inquiries.

Boys understand other boys. And their proficiency in “boy” language can help you navigate hanging out with a male friend. Whether it’s how the flirtatious boy acts around you or a baffling text he sends you, your guy BFF will help you interpret his intentions, and determine a plan of action on your end.

6. They will be your date to parties when you don’t have a real boyfriend.

Have a sorority function by don’t have a boyfriend to bring? No problem. Your guy best friend is always happy to accompany you! Not only will this help when you don’t have anyone to take, but your guy friend will be a super fun date to have. They’ll dance with you all night, and there will be no pressure about making a move! Relatives may see pictures of the event and think you and your friend are dating, but it doesn’t matter as long as you’re happy!

7. They’ll protect you from bad boys.

When all else fails, your guy BFF has your back. Can’t dodge that creepy boy that won’t leave you alone? Your boy will either pretend to be your boyfriend or just straight up tell him to leave you alone. Problem solved.