Every women needs her girlfriends - but male friends can be just as valuable. It's nonsense to say that men and women can't be "just friends"; they most certainly can. Besides, friendship is just as important as relationships are. But having male friends can enhance your life; here's why every female needs a few male friends …
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1. It Gives You Insights into Understanding Men
Do you ever feel confused by your boyfriend and how differently he thinks? Having male friends is very handy for giving you an insight into the male mind. Although not all men are the same, they do tend to have similar ways of seeing things that are different to the way women think. So it could really help you understand your boyfriend.
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Interacting with male friends can often demystify the ways in which men approach communication, problem-solving, and emotional expression. This could enhance your relationship as you begin to perceive patterns in behavior and recognize certain cues that previously went over your head. It's like having a decoder for those baffling moments when men retreat into their 'caves' or seem to tackle issues with a 'fix-it' attitude rather than just listening. By gaining a broader perspective on these tendencies, you'll be equipped to navigate interactions with not just your partner, but with men in your professional and personal life as well.
2. Guys Are Less Competitive
One of the awful things about women is that we can be the worst critics of other women - just look at comment threads and social media for examples. Guys don't try to compete with or undermine each other. So having male friends can avoid or minimise your exposure to the competitiveness that can come from female friendships.
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This isn't about putting down girlfriends – they're wonderful! – but diversity in friendships is key. In a group of guys, there’s often a different dynamic. They might be blunt, but there's a refreshing straightforwardness to it. You won’t find them obsessing over who wore it better or who's climbing the social ladder faster. Instead, they're more likely to be found bonding over last night's game or planning the next group adventure. With male friends, you get a break from the social Olympics – a chance to simply be without the subtle comparisons or competitions.
Frequently asked questions
Having male friends can provide a different perspective on life, relationships, and even everyday problems. Plus, they can be a lot of fun to hang out with! It's nice to balance female friendships with some male energy.
Absolutely! It's totally possible for girls and guys to be just friends. It all comes down to mutual respect and boundaries. Some of my best friends are guys, and there's never been anything more to it than friendship.
Male friends can give you an unbiased viewpoint, and they often bring a straightforwardness that can be refreshing. They can also introduce you to different hobbies and interests you might not have explored otherwise.
Totally! There's no rule saying women should have more female than male friends. It's all about who you connect with and enjoy being around. If that happens to be more guys, then that's perfectly okay.
Of course! Friendships with women can offer guys a deeper understanding of emotions and different viewpoints. It can be very enriching for both sides. So, it's a win-win situation.
3. Not All Girls Are Girly
If going shopping is your idea of hell, you could benefit from having some male friends who hate shops as much as you do. Not all girls are into girly pursuits like shopping and having their nails done. If you're more into sporty and outdoor activities, you'll enjoy having male friends to spend time with.
4. Men Give an Honest Opinion
Girlfriends can be great for boosting your self-esteem and telling you how good you look, but even if they have the best intentions they're not doing you any favors if you're wearing something that doesn't flatter you. Men can be relied upon to give an honest opinion - and even if that's not what you want to hear, it could be what you need to hear.
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Sometimes, their forthrightness comes from a place of genuine care and a different perspective. Your male friends might not grasp the ins and outs of your fashion aesthetic, but they'll likely tell it like it is, without the sugar-coating. This can be invaluable when you're shopping for a new outfit or undecided about what to wear to an important event. It's that uncensored feedback that can help you step out of your comfort zone and possibly refine your style in exciting new ways.
5. You Don't Have to Dress up for Them
Guy friends aren't going to expect you to dress up for them, and won't judge you if you're not wearing makeup and heels. It's good news for those days when you really don't feel like spending an hour getting ready. If they drop by unexpectedly, you won't panic if your hair is all over the place and you're wearing sweat pants. It's all cool!
6. They Tend to Be a Lot Simpler
On the whole, men are simple creatures. Their tastes are simple and they find it easy to make decisions. There's none of the complicated situations that women get involved in. This makes them relaxing to have as friends; they won't get upset because you want to change arrangements or drag up old grudges from years ago.
7. Men like Sorting Things
Another great reason to have male friends is that they love sorting and fixing things. While we're independent women and can solve a lot of problems by ourselves, we still sometimes need assistance. Men will happily help you fix your house or car, and give you advice on how to solve problems in your life.
Ultimately, someone is your friend because they bring value to your life - and that isn't dependent on their gender. But it's perfectly possible for men and women to be friends - and they can be our best friends!
Comments
Kim: @ Pamy_Dee, I agree with you totally, but with this article saying men aren't competitive, they are but in a different way.
Cheleise: I agree with Madmaddz. I go to an all girls school as well and boys don't really notice girls like me. But I am starting to talk to some of my guy friends from middle school.
Victoria: I'm glad this article exists, my best friends are guys and I get so much hassle all the time about it! I'm just going to start showing this.
Nienke: The only really true friend who knows me is my boyfriend ( for 11 years) but i prefer to work with men. It s a lot easier
Creamy: Gone!! ^
peony: Men can be great
Grace: This advice is only applicable for junior high schoolers. Men are not competitive? What kind of girl "friend" do you have who always requires you to be made up? I think our girlfriends see us at our absolute sloppiest. I could go on and on, but this article is just an example of women undermining women. For what gain?
Carl: Men and women can NOT be friends. Women use male friends for money and other gain. Men play along because they want more. Men are friends with women they are attracted to. 300 pound women do NOT have male friends!
Madmaddz: Hard*
Enoabasi: I had few male friends in high school
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