If there is one thing that has made my life a little bit less stressful and drama-free, it's having guy friends. Once I escaped the fear of boys' having "cooties" and stopped singing that "boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider," I was able to realize the importance of the gift that is male friends.

When I think of my closest male friends, I can't help but define them as the brothers who aren't as protective as real family and can know all your secrets without being invested in the drama that comes with them; a definition that is synonymous with that of jackpot.

Though your girl friends may be your go-to for advice, whether it be in regard to a relationship, a friendship, an inconvenience, etc., an incredibly unique quality of guy friends is that they can provide you with advice from a different perspective.

Perhaps their advice allows you to see the way the boy you like or are fighting with is thinking, something that we often try to do but never truly succeed at.

Perhaps it's calming you down and stopping you from engaging in a petty fight, something that is always encouraged when two women come together.

Whatever it is, it's always different, but it's always right.

In addition to their amazing advice giving, they are extremely trustworthy, something that plenty of our close girl friends are, only they're a lot less engaged with the gossip because, in reality, they really couldn't care less.

Friendships like these are more natural and mature, and often times more refreshing, for they're always honest. They know that they have nothing to hide or compete with, so you know that every word is true. If he has never thrown you an insult, then he probably isn't your best friend.

My favorite part about having close guy friends is that they're always ready and willing to do anything: a late night adventure, an activity that requires getting dirty, etc. This has always allowed me to show my extremely fun side. And while guys won't judge you for the less hygienic stuff that you may do, they also will participate in it with you.

Lastly, and most importantly, they care about you, but not in an overly protective manner. While older or younger brothers are typically overprotective and tend to let out their beast within as soon as someone pops your bubble, guy best friends are just the opposite. They care about you and want to protect you, but aren't willing to start petty fights or make a bigger problem than the current one.

Having a judgment-free, honest and supportive outlet to debrief upon is one of the most valued relationships that one can have. While trading your female friends for anyone or anything else is simply not an option, having guy friends will certainly be life-changing.

Keep 'em around ladies! You'll thank me later