It was Saturday night at 10p.m, while most of the ‘twenty-something’ world was getting ready to head out to the local bars, my friends and I were on the couch. On each cushion of the blue and white checked sectional was a tired person staring with glazed eyes at the football game lighting up the television.

My three girl friends and I had shown up semi-dressed to go out to the bar, thinking the night would amount to much more than this, but kind of hoping it wouldn’t. When someone said “I don’t think we’ll be making it to the bar,” my face lit up and I grabbed the cozy blue blanket that lived with the couch through every move. I was okay with nights like this, sitting around with more guys than girls, listening to the boys scream at the TV and talk as if there weren’t any ‘ladies’ present.

In a time where the pressure is on to meet the right guy and every time you go out at night, you hope to meet someone, it's so nice to have some solid male friends. The ones who will give you advice, be way too honest, hoist you on stage at concerts, and make sure you get home safe (or try to). Since middle school, I’ve had these same guy friends, that’s ten years of guy to girl friendship skills I have racked up. While its super helpful that it has been that long, years weren’t the only thing that made me a solid one with the guys.

1. No Expectations: I’ve always said I wanted to be engaged at 26. As a 23-year-old, I am only three years away from my ‘goal’ year. So most of the time I am talking to guys, I have that in the back of my mind. But if you want to be real friends with a guy, have no expectations for anything more than that.
2. Be Helpful :There is a difference between men taking care of women, and women being helpless. If you’re dating a guy, yes they should be more doting and do a little more than the average friend. If you are just a friend, though, you don’t take those offerings as easily. Offer to help carry furniture during a move or to be sober driver a few nights.
3. Join in on the conversation: No matter how vulgar or sport-related, join in on the conversation with the guys. Being apart of it shows that you’re a friend.
4. Say thank you / show appreciation: My guy friends help me out so much. Because of them, I have learned to be fully myself and know exactly how I should be treated by a boyfriend. They also help me reach high shelves, and always ensure I have way too much fun on the weekends. For that and everything else they do, I try my best to show my love and appreciation for them. Guys need that.
5. Be a good friend, but don’t flirt:There is a fine line between friendly and flirty. It is one thing to check in and take offerings, but another to lead them on. Be careful with your word choices and your actions!

In conclusion, being one of the guys takes a lot of committment, but is completely realistic if done right.