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In social situations, we follow plenty of unwritten rules. However, it can be smart to look up other cultures' customs for tourists or just check in to what is expected of you as a friend or a guest in certain situations. Unwritten rules of how people look out for close friends or strangers of the same sex are popularly referred to as girl code and boy code. There is plenty of comedy that pokes fun at those that take same-sex loyalty to the extremes.

u/bakedbutnotburnt asked Reddit "what are some of the 'guy code' and 'girl code' unwritten rules that you always follow?" The question was upvoted 42.9k times. Bored Panda selected responses people tended to agree more with, take a look:

More info: Reddit.com

#1

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" If I offer someone a beer or other alcoholic beverage and they turn it down, I never push it. Sometimes I don't want to drink and I hate being pressured. Never pressure a drink on someone.

please_hava_seat , Joe Goldberg Report

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funkybluegirl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! This is huge. I never understood why some people feel the need to push alcohol and/or drugs on others.

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Answers about guy code seemed to focus on uplifting other men, helping a friend flirt or fight, how to treat women, friends' romantic partners, and who pays in what situation. However, the girl code was mostly focused on appearance, periods, including sharing menstrual products and when and how to tell someone about a leak, and safety, especially from men. Both addressed topics of cheating in a committed relationship. Some people responded universally for any sex.

#2

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" As a guy that lifts weights and has brought some of his other male (and two female friends) into the fold - you never, EVER, slander another person's weight on any lift. If your friend is 250 pounds and only benches 135, but is trying his a** off - then you never make a sound other than howling intense encouragement at them.

The rule in my basement is - everything is heavy to SOMEBODY. As long as you're giving it your full-a**, then the number is irrelevant.

level 1 ArchMichael7 , David Howard Report

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#3

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Brocode: If a girl passes out at a party, you're not allowed to touch her. Make sure one of her lady friends knows ASAP, preferable a relatively sober one.

DamnedIron , 28704869 Report

#4

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" If your friends help you move, you are expected to a) be packed already... And b) provide pizza and beer.

jjbutts , otakuchick Report

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Zoe's Mom
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering what movers cost, a proper meal is always better. This is something I always do; but that's just me.

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One person responded to the thread with "As a lady with autism, this has to be one of the most useful threads I have ever read. All these unwritten rules about how to treat others socially don't naturally occur to me. I feel like I have gained new powers! Thank you thank you thank you."

#5

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Girl code: if something is fixable within five minutes (make-up, something stuck in teeth, small things on appearance) you tell her and help her if needed, if it isn't fixable on the spot, you keep your mouth shut and ESPECIALLY don't point it out to others.

PenguinsOnAWire , borosjuli Report

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Softball05
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes!! One time I had a girl shout at me about a particularly bad breakout across the classroom, and the entire room went silent. Don't do this. It feels horrible- they're already aware of it

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#6

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Female here.

If you see another girl crying in the bathroom of the bar/club/venue you're at, you ask what's wrong and try to help.

If you have a tampon or pad to spare and someone needs it, even if it's someone you hate, offer it to them.

If a girl looks distressed or uncomfortable with the guy who is hitting on her at the bar/club/venue you're at, she's now going to be a new member of your crew! This one is a little tricky, but it's usually pretty obvious when someone needs an out but can't manage it or is frozen or intimidated. If you see it happening, try to catch her eye because she'll be looking around. Once you make eye contact it's pretty easy to figure out if she needs an out, then swoop in and do the whole "Hey girl! Where the crap have you been, we're all waiting over at the table for you!" And then you hook your elbow through hers and walk her back to your table of friends.

If you see a KNOW that a friend's boyfriend/fiance/husband doing shady, skeezy sh**, you tell that friend right away.

Mahatma_Panda , Eric Chan Report

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Pablo Ramos
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Drunk girl at a club's restroom: "I'm gonna call my ex". Her friend and unknown girls in three stalls: "DON'T CALL YOUR EX!!"

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#7

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" See something, compliment something.

AllieBallie22 , Azlan DuPree Report

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Zoe's Mom
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And compliment the same sex. People seem to be afraid that they will look 'gay' if they do this. So what! Compliment away.

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Many autistic people use masking as a strategy to thrive and survive in social settings. According to Healthline, masking is mimicking behaviors of neurotypical people, like forcing eye contact, developing a repertoire of rehearsed responses to questions, ignoring sensory discomfort, and practicing body language.

#8

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Bros before ho*s, but not before wives. Sure it’s sucks when a buddy has to stay home for a weekend camping trip, but if his wife’s sick and they have a 3 month old, it’s probably best that he keeps his family’s interests above your own haha

Zephrahs , davidmesaaz Report

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's my code: anyone male over the age of 14 who refers to a woman as a "ho" can get bent.

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#9

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" In his home, you always call another man's dog a good boy

Kadeslayer , Alan Levine Report

#10

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Should a bro die in a weight lifting related accident, a bro will add atleast 100 lbs to the bar before reporting the incident

Mallow-9 , Montgomery County Planning Commission Report

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Sarah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL This sounds like the equivalent to asking someone to clear your browser history.

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Masking is often used when it is not clear that neurodiversity would be accepted, or clear that it won't. However, Healthline describes the practice as costly since multiple studies found heightened stress and depression in those who do it; there is also a risk of delay of autism identification. Instead, Healthline recommends accepting neurodivergent people as they are.

#11

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" If someone offers to pay, you should ask them if they are sure. If they are, then it is rude to further reject what is supposed to be a kindness on their part.

"I got the bill."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it."

"Thank you."

TMJ_Jack , jam_232 Report

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Immortal Emperor Paradox
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends. Some of my relatives are big misers. Getting money out of them is like winning the world cup.

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#12

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" The person who buys the shots, makes the toast

Too many times I've seen someone buy a round of shots, and someone else jumps in with a toast

If you want to make a toast, buy a round!

Finster63 , John Verive Report

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Zoe's Mom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

..plus don't be cheap. Buy a round. I've seen too many times when it's the next person's time to buy, they all of sudden have to go home. Don't be that person.

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#13

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Dude if there’s like 8 open urinals DON’T TAKE THE ONE NEXT TO ME

Oceanicshark , Mark Hillary Report

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MTV had a reality show called Guy Code. Their episodes ranged from "Manscaping, Sexting, Bottle Service and Camping." to "Friends with benefits, rejection, shopping and freshman year." Later it got a spin-off, Girl Code, with episodes like "Curing Boredom, Hobbies, Sexual Pressure." Singers, comedians like Pete Davidson, and other celebrities often appeared on the show.

#14

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" I will wingman any man. I don't even have to know you. Hell, I'll wingman any woman too. If you are trying to make an impression on someone you think you'll hit it off with, call me. I love love and am always willing to help make it happen.

the_planes_walker , Maryland GovPics Report

#15

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Guy Code -If your drunk bro is about to cheat on his girlfriend, you must follow through with one intervention. If he says he doesn't care, you did your part and are free from any responsibility.

Bartch88 , Mike Burns Report

#16

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" If you see another girl in an uncomfortable situation, you try to get her out of there or at least let her know that you got her back. I've done it for everyone, from my sister, to my friends to my friends moms. One time at a school event, my best friend's mom somehow ended getting an unsolicited massage from another parent with boundary issues and I quickly made an excuse up that I needed help at the concession stand. No one is too old or too young to do this!

On the more lighthearted side, in my experience, when you hug another girl, you always try to slot the boobs by going slightly to the side so that you don't just mash your chests together and hurt someone.

unicornmarket , Ricardo Moraleida Report

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Ray Heap
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

„Slot…the…boobs…!“ some powerful mental visual gymnastics in that sentence.

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Sometimes American comedy points out the obsessive rigidity some people follow guy and girl codes with. In the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, the character Barney, who has a well-paying job and flirting skills that land him plenty of one-night stands, making him a stereotype of a man who other men want to be, keeps referring to the rules of the Bro Code. Later the Bro Code book was published inspired by the show.

#17

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Be generous with your closest friends.

Buy them an occasional beer or their favorite soft drink without "keeping score" of whose turn it is to pay.

Back2Bach , Mike Mozart Report

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Rijkærd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had a 'friend' ruin my evening after bringing up some 3 yr old you owe ne a beer score s**t... sounded awkward and all....not a friend any more

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#18

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Nod up if you know them, nod down if you dont.

deleted , Elvert Barnes Report

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Rijkærd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one who nodded to the guy in the pic? Am I? ...someone back me up here

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#19

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" You can make fun of your own kid all you want with your buddies if he isnt around, but you NEVER make fun of your bros kid, no matter what.

RickerBobber , foundin_a_attic Report

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Lord Mysticlaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this goes very generally for all family members. I can say my kid is a brat, you can't. I can say my mom is a maniac, you can't. For the same reason, if my friends says her husband is an asshole, I don't agree very enthusiastically, I tread very very carefully.

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What are some of the unwritten girl code or guy code rules you follow? Does it make sense that they are different for women and men? Which ones do you agree with?

#20

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" I only had one chance to exercise this girl code rule, but once i was passing a girl in the lobby of a building and she told me that she had just gotten a straight perm and was waiting for the rain to pass before she went outside so I let her share my umbrella for 4-5 blocks while we walked to a bus stop together.

I would do that for any woman if it happened again.

(perms are $200+, can take up to 3 hours and are ruined if you get them wet within 48 hours of having the procedure done)

Book_1love , pudgeefeet Report

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Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As we were all taught by Elle Woods. You don't want to risk deactivating the ammonium thioglycolate.

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#21

When your best friends dies, you have to delete his internet history. Common courtesy.

supergoldisme Report

#22

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" My personal thing is that if I ask someone to come on a trip with me, no matter the distance or how much gas it'll take, I don't ask for gas money. I asked them to come on the trip with me, their company is payment enough. I don't like when people ask me for gas money when they insisted or asked me f I wanted to come along for something. I come on this trip with them, for all I know they could just be using me for gas money.

Also, who pays for who on a date I believe should be totally contingent on who took the initiative to ask. If I ask Her out, I will offer to pay but I won't Insist, if she'd like to pay for herself.

LickMyAstle , Floris Oosterveld Report

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#23

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" When guys fight, we never hit the groin.

It's against the Geneva Convention /s.

Dstats98 , dave ho Report

#24

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Guy code: when greeting someone and you're not sure if they're a hugger, always shake their hand first... it allows them to throw up the other arm for a hug if they're down for it.

DetroitHustlesHarder , Matt Anderson Report

#25

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" when a girl says "i won't tell anyone" what she really means is "i won't tell anyone except my best friend"

ChaoticSweety , Jerzy Kociatkiewicz Report

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Pam Page
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I won't tell anyone but my husband. HE won't tell anyone.

ShriSha Kamboj
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if u are telling a person something...but u know they have a history of telling others..just don't......this one doesn't apply to everyone....some are very good at keeping secrets

May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm horrible at keeping secrets. If the thing you told me wasn't that you murdered someone, I won't remember that it's supposed to be a secret. The people in my life know this about me - nobody tells me if there's going to be a surprise party.

Tom Harper
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always assume someone will keep a secret as well as the person who told them.

Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find that to be true about everyone, not just girls. If you have a secret, keep it that way by not sharing it. If you do share it, expect it to come out at some point. I have known military intelligence officers that were terrible gossips. Same for HR people. Don't trust either.

Ivana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not true. I have had a lot of friends tell me things and I don't repeat them to my best friend who happens to be my husband and also friends with all of my friends. Got a ton of things that were told to me and me alone, and expressed that they want it kept to me and me alone so I respect that. Though more often than not they will often tell my husband at some point. Find out because my husband will often slip and tell me. I don't think he is capable of not telling me things.

Grayson Wrigley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah, if you say you won't tell anyone, you don't tell anyone. (Unless someone's safety is involved)

Billy Haake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone gleefully asks me if I can keep a secret, I've learned to tell them no. If the gossip is so juicy they want to reveal it to another person, I tell them I will probably pass it on, too.

Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if the "secret" is that they are in danger or being abused, you TELL someone!! F**k this keeping a secret s**t. Their lives are more important than some friends "code".

Alexis Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i don't get this - i'm nonbinary but was born female, and i don't tell my best friend. if they wanted her to know, they'd tell her. I'm not sharing people's secrets. it's called a secret for a reason

malenchki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup like this is just the law like I have two besties and they are gonna find out my cousins aunties uncles brothers sisters mother's secrets so yeah if you tell me something they gonna find out but they ain't gonna tell people bc both of them have social anxiety and are also both just in general good people

Just Breathe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hell no. If I say "I wont tell anyone" It means I'm taking the secret to my grave.

JensenDK
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had 'friends' who think that their SO doesn't count. Oh yes, they do. Your husband isn't necessary my confident.

Chaotic-Pansexual (she/they)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s not true. I tell my best friend everything, but if you ask me to keep something a secret, nobody gets to know

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#26

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" If I hear a girl say she needs a hair tie I will immediately hand one over, even if I’ll only have one left for myself.

mcrandk , Robert Couse-Baker Report

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ShriSha Kamboj
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lmao yeah......but just don't expect it to be returned back......good if it is.....but if it's not then not a big deal

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#27

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Treat your friend's girl as if she's a guy

Fulahno , bagaball Report

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Doctor Strange
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about treat your friend's girl as if she is a person who deserves respect in her own right, not just because she is dating your friend?

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#28

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Never steal ur bro's large fry

Kenzel258 Report

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's ok to steal your bro's large fry if you have that kind of mutual insulting banter vibe, like calling each other insults etc. Because it will provoke a banter session. But if he's not that kind of guy, then no. That would be weird and intrusive.

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#29

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" If their bedroom door open, be careful to sound your approach before popping in. Never know what he's up to.

AT1787 , Chris Northwood Report

#30

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" I hear this a lot in casual conversation: A: You know __? B: no? A: Wait, you don’t know __?!

My boss speaks English as a second language and he pointed out how common this type of interaction is & said it is off-putting. I really try to be mindful of it now!

Mooneaxe , Julie_M_ Report

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#31

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Girl code: if a girl asks for a pad or tampon, you don’t whip it out in public, and announce “HEY EVERYONE THIS GIRL IS ON HER PERIOD” instead you do the under the table hand off so that things are more subtle, especially if she is a shy or young teen

annanateor , Elisabeth Steger Report

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ShriSha Kamboj
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

u dont treat it like drugs.....but not like it's a marriage announcement either.....u treat it like u are making plans to out and eat...which is normal

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#32

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" "Thou shalt never hold a bro's wingman duties against him"

When you're chatting up a girl, I don't care how unattractive the friend he's flirting with is, or how bad his flirting technique is... When he's distracting the air defences to give you a clear run at the target, you do not insult his flying.

audigex , Ron Gilbert Report

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Kitty Jordan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't actually mind the term "wingman/woman" because it just implies support to me, but something about the way this guy extended the metaphor feels so skeevy to me. Referring to a woman as a "target"? Ehhh...

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#33

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" Unless you are asked and willing to provide further details, keep remarks about the time you spent with someone vague and borderline childish.

SacredVow , mrwynd Report

#34

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" If you sell a buddy a car (or anything of value) cheaper than normal because they are a friend, that friend must offer to sell it back to you before offering it to the general public.

NickLadoo , Kieran White Report

#35

30 People Online Answer "What Are Some Of The 'Guy Code' And 'Girl Code' Unwritten Rules That You Always Follow?" If you hear anything about a girl having a thing for your bro, you tell him immediately. I don't care if you're in the jungle with no cell phone service, you walk back to the nearest cell phone tower and let him know so he can get laid

theImplication69 , Steven Damron Report

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