How to be a Bro

When all the other girls were playing jumprope and gossiping, I was playing soccer with the boys. I never went by my real name, Anastasia, because I thought it was far too girly and princess-y. I had great friendships with girls throughout my elementary school career, but I just liked hanging out with the guys a little more. With them, I never had to worry about having stains on my dress or wearing different colored socks. I could just run around, have fun, laugh, and go crazy.
 
A lot of girls who have childhoods like mine grow out of the “tomboy” phase in middle school, ditching their soccer shorts for soffes and finally joining a clique, no boys allowed.
 
Not me. I might be a sorority girl and fervent magazine-reader today, but I have always been the token “brogirl,” and that’s something that will never change.
 
Most of my female friends today are jealous of my friendships with guys. They want me to teach them how to “bro out” and talk sports and drive a stick shift. Luckily for you readers, I’m about to share some of my tips and tricks for forging solid relationships with the opposite sex WITHOUT hooking up with them. I promise you, it’s possible- just read on for proof.
 
1)  Find a bro hobby.
Whether it’s cars, football, action movies, Dave Chapelle, or Xbox, almost all girls are interested in something that also interests guys. What’s important is finding your bro hobby and getting as into it as possible. Not all girls are going to be interested in the NBA AND Halo, but I guarantee that with a little research, you can discover your calling in the bro world. And hey, if you choose football only because you think Tom Brady is sexy, I’m not about to tell anyone. Just pick something and engage yourself in it, so when you casually bring up that you’re a big Patriots fan to the guys, you’ll be able to back yourself up with enough information to make you appear truly bro.
 
2)  Develop a thick skin.
A lot of my guy friends love hanging out with me because I can dish the trash talk and take it just as well. Bros, when they’re in groups, love to tease each other without thinking about hurting someone’s feelings. So if one of your newfound guy friends says something slightly douche-y, accept it and throw some sarcastic comment back at him. Just don’t cry or complain about it, because that will only remind said guy that you’re definitely NOT one of the bros.
 
3)  Avoid talking about typical girly things.
Most of my guy friends hate it when I bring up the latest nail polish trend or which player on the football field I find the hottest. They only accept it because I do it so rarely and because I’ve already established solid friendships with them. However, when you’re just starting out, try to bring these things up as little as possible. Obviously, you’re still a girl, and guys do occasionally need to be reminded of that, so bring up a choice girly topic when you feel the need. Just don’t expect to be able to gossip to the bros like you do with your girls. Different friend groups, different expectations.
 
4)  Eat.
Guys eat. And while, as a girl, you would never be expected to keep up with them, don’t be that chick that orders a salad with no dressing when all the guys are eating wings. Enjoy a wing or two (or more) and eat until you’re full. Chances are, you’ll probably learn a thing or two about eating healthily the more you’re around guys. They tend to enjoy the food they eat and only eat when they’re hungry, unlike girls, who tend to eat their emotions or restrict themselves excessively then binge-eat when no one is looking. I know I’ve gained a much healthier view towards food since making friends with guys. And while I’m on this topic, NEVER mention your body concerns to the bros. They don’t give a rat’s butt if you think your thighs are looking especially fat today. Guys really don’t notice these things, so just don’t bring them up, and you’re golden.
 
5)  Stay chill.
Last but not least, it’s imperative that you maintain a chill attitude when you’re with the bros. Guys hate girls who seem high-maintenance or stressful, so when you can prove that you’re not either of those things, you will gain quite a bit of respect. We all spaz out sometimes, so don’t worry if you have a moment where you stray from the chill vibe. Just try to avoid being a bitch, which is something we should all try to do anyways. No guy wants to hang out and watch the game with a girl who would rather complain about her slutty sorority sister who stole her boyfriend.
 
Maybe, after reading these tips, you’re realizing you would never want to replace your greek yogurt and Smart Water with Mellow Mushroom pizza and beer, and that’s totally fine. Being a brogirl isn’t for everyone, and I’m not about to tell you that it’s the better way to live. I just know that developing friendships with guys has made me a lot less stressed AND has improved my relationships with guys I’m interested in. I play Halo and watch SportsCenter with my current boyfriend, and our first date was to Buffalo Wild Wings, where I beat him in the Blazin Challenge. Being slightly bro (and still of course being feminine) makes you a lot more desirable to guys you’re interested in dating, because it means you won’t be a high-maintenance girlfriend.
 
So just think about incorporating a few of these tips into your next interaction with guys and see where it takes you. You never know, you might have been destined to be a brogirl all along!