If you look at the breakdown of my friends, you'll notice a trend: most of my friends are of the male variety. I am a figure skater, a dancer, and a singer. I can shoot a gun with confidence, feel at home in the woods, and even if I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to cars, I'm always willing to crawl under one and hand you tools. Growing up as "one of the guys" taught me so many valuable lessons:
1. Put up or shut up.
When you're a little girl growing up with boys who are not only bigger and stronger than you but older, too, you are constantly trying to keep up. It teaches you to work harder than those around you, to try your best no matter what, and, above ALL else, do not whine.
2. Friends are the family you choose.
Growing up as an only child wasn't the worst thing that could've happened to me. I was, however, lonely at times. Having the guys around throughout my life has given me something that I used to wish on stars for when I was a little girl. The guys became more than just my friends, they became the brothers I never imagined I would have and could never imagine being without.
3. Stand up for yourself.
Being a relatively tiny girl and usually the youngest out of my friends, I learned quickly to be tiny but mighty - but tactful, too. If you want to be heard you have to stand up for yourself, no matter the audience. Standing up for yourself will most likely be one of the toughest things you do, but if you can stand up to your "family," you can stand up to anyone.
4. R-E-S-P-E-C-T
As "one of the guys," you will hear things. You will hear how they talk about their girlfriends and the girls they think are cute, and yes, you will hear about what they do and sometimes you'll wish you hadn't. Besides teaching you selective hearing, it will also teach you that you never want to give a guy any reason to talk about you like you've heard other girls discussed. You learn self-respect. You learn that you are worthy of love, understanding, and, yes, respect. You also learn that respect is earned, not given.
5. You will miss...
You will, inevitably, miss having some girl time. You will miss the fuss of getting ready with a couple of the girls before a big night out. You will miss taking a boat load of pictures and you will miss having someone give you a hand doing your eyeliner. You will also find that, in the absence of girl time, the guys aren't a bad substitute. They will give you (surprisingly good) fashion advise when asked. They will help you shop for your next formal dress, even if they aren't you date. They will sometimes get on a roll and even give you advice on how to accessorize. That's always fun! And even if it doesn't help, their effort will at least make you smile, no doubt.
6. Going out can get interesting.
When you show up to the bar or to a dance with an entourage of your friends and you are the only girl in the group, you are then magically dating at least one or more members of the group, in the eyes of the guys at said establishment. They will think you are taken or just not want to walk up and try to break into the group to talk to you. You will, however, learn to play pool and laugh at the show that is your guys trying to pick up other girls and with some practice, you can become a pretty great wingwoman.
7. You will get jealous.
They are your "brothers," your boys, and you will always lay claim to them out of love and care. You want what is best for them, truly. You want to see them happy. You will get jealous when other women come into their lives and you will definitely feel protective. Most of the time they will appreciate it, but use your power sparingly. Your jealousy will stem from protectiveness over your family. And, in the end, the guys will always thank you for the love and will return it in kind.
