I attended an all-girls school from 7th to 12th grade meaning that my 10 closest friends were all girls. I had a few guy friends but none that I would be comfortable having hungover brunches with (the signifier of a close friend). That didn’t change much when I first got to Skidmore. My 10 closest friends were still all girls. I can’t say whether that was because I was most comfortable with all girls or if it was circumstantial because they all lived so close to me but that’s just how it ended up.
Flash-forward to (almost) second semester of sophomore year. I still have all my girlfriends, but out of the 10 people I consider my best friends at Skidmore, 50% of them are guys. The best part about my relationships with my guy friends is that… they’re all platonic! No, I’m not joking. I love my platonic guy friends. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Below are 5 reasons why having COMPLETELY platonic guy friends is the bomb.com!
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You can wing-man each other at parties. No jealousy or sabotage going on. Just unadulterated, drunken, “go get him/her” pep-talks.
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You can give each other advice on how to most efficiently snag that guy/girl you’ve been eyeing in the dining hall. Pre-guy friends, I thought that the “gentle arm touch” was a flirting technique myth. Turns out… guys love it! Thanks platonic guy friends.
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We can be brutally honest with each other. They tell me whether or not my shirt is too see through and I tell them whether or not their deodorant is working. Sure, having my face shoved in a post-practice armit isn’t glamorous, but it’s what best buds do for each other.
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There is never any “are we more than friends” or “unrequited love” stuff going on. The thought of hooking up with each other is pretty grotesque and while I pity the poor girl that falls for their shenanigans, I’m happy to help them get her.
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We are each other’s texting/snapchatting coaches. No more being unsure if you should send that late-night snapchat or post-hook up text. I will tell them if they look embarrassingly sweaty and they will tell me if the monkey covering its eyes emoji is appropriate or tacky.
So if you’re looking for a new friend, try one of the opposite sex. It’s a game-changer.