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Our society has an imaginary handbook of cultural guidelines that are understood and followed by most. You won't ever find a physical version, and the rules are rarely mentioned in a casual conversation – however, every human is aware of its existence. There are unspoken rules for literally every aspect of your life: a friendship, relationship, parenthood, etc. – yet today, we'll be strictly focusing on the rules that hide behind manhood. 

"Men of Reddit, what are some unwritten rules we have?" – an online user took it to one of the most famous and well-liked online communities to find out what unspoken manhood laws are there. The question received over 4.4K upvotes and 3.7K worth of comments revealing the rules that every self-respecting man will follow to the end of his days. Make sure to comment below if there's something that members of this online forum missed!

More info: Reddit

#1

30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome When walking upstairs behind a woman, the stairs instantly become the most interesting thing.

“Hmmm, these stairs are really made out of stairs huh”

Depressed-College27 , micadew Report

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

My sister does this with movies. If there's kissing in a movie, she just looks around and talks about the walls or the floor

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

Yes these stairs are made of stairs is an unwritten rule it’s weird how everyone does it automatically no shaming from a parent that resulted in a cringe memory

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

I always look at the stairs anyway. I can't take blind steps in the stairs. I need to see where to land my feet and when they're gonna hit the step.

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

Stairs are one of the rare place where men go first, going down or up.

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

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I'VE DONE MY ENTIRE LIFE!!! I DON'T CARE WHO'S IN FRONT OF ME, THE STAIRS ARE SUDDENLY INTERESTING AS F**K! thank you for confirming that this is correct I was honestly worried.

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

i have an autistic grandson whose response to intimate scenes in movies is commenting "oooh, gratuitous sex scene - who wants popcorn?"

Man in the ceiling
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I automatically developed this about a year or two ago. I’d rather not risk them being uncomfortable or me looking like a creep

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

Always walk before a woman when going up. And behind her when going down. Etiquette.

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

I don't have a choice even if no one is in front of me. If I cannot safely navigate stairs unless I'm watching where I put my feet. Been that way my entire life. It's the same with ladders. I also find the first step in getting on an escalator to be a challenge as well.

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

And just let her some head start so that your eyes are just in front of the stair below her feet. And if possible shift to the side so that you're not directly behind her. There are a lot of stairs and a lot of women where I work, so I just had to master this through the years.

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

Etiquette prescibes that a man always walks before a woman when going upstairs an behind her when going downstairs.

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

Yeah. I could see this. So she doesn't feel you are staring at something else.

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

I think ya'll are missing the point. People look at the stairs behind someone to catch them if they fall.

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

I'm torn here. Why shouldn't something beautiful be appreciated? (Real question). It all comes down to the golden rule. I wouldn't mind to be checked out (unknowingly) as it doesnt hurt me in any way. I'm not talking constant staring, weird comments, etc. Interested in your answers. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule

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

It's because those women always think the worst when near a man, and the man is expected to back down. I say equal rights!

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

I can guarantee a man would be uncomfortable if a woman stared at his "package" the way men stare at women's chests.

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Bob Stuart
Community Member
2 years ago

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Why do women dress elaborately, but expect everyone else to actively preserve their modesty?

Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
2 years ago

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Nope. You may as well look, nobody's gonna believe you're looking at stairs. Especially the woman in front of you.

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    #2

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome Whenever your friend is cooking on the bbq, you have to stand next to him and talk about how amazing this food is gonna be

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    #3

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome A big bag of soil, dry dog food, or rice must be slapped.

    Tongs for BBQ must be clicked 2-3 times before using them.

    TheBassMeister , Didriks Report

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

    The clicking activates the tongs. Tongs automatically switch off after a short time, so no need to worry about leaving them on.

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    #4

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome When you're strapping down a strap, you must say "that's not going anywhere" or you will lose everything on the trailer

    Winter_Walker1Xx , Bradley Gordon Report

    #5

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome Beer and pizza/BBQ is acceptable payment for helping another man work on his house or vehicle.

    ofsquire , Yoshihide Nomura Report

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

    Omg, now that’s a pizza. Just came from the horrid list of boyfriends attempting cooking.

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    #6

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome When your friend’s crush is around, he is the funniest in the group

    SwimmingRevenue5321 , https://flic.kr/p/8krmCn Report

    #7

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome Don't throw a friend under the bus to impress someone. Ever.

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    #8

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome If a friend buys you a drink you don’t pay it back you just buy the next round

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    #9

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome The best test of a friendship is when you defended someone in their absence and vice-versa.

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    #10

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome A grunt and a nod is an entirely acceptable conversation.

    narvacantourist , Scott Raymond Report

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

    My ex-boyfriend is American and didn't know a single word of German. When I introduced him to my dad (who doesn't speak a single word of English), I was baffled that they sort of communicated without talking to each other. After that my dad said, my ex was a nice guy and my ex agreed that my father was a nice guy, too. Yeah... sure. 😆

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    #11

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome If a bathroom has 5 urinals, it only has 3 urinals.

    Sirhc978 Report

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

    As a girl, I get this. For those who don't , I imagine it's uncomfortable to pee right next to someone. Also if there are dividers does this rule still apply?

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    #12

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome If your boys' sister is in trouble, protect her like your own.

    IMOguy , Sheila Sund Report

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Until they tell you they are in love with you when you have a long term partner and a child. Then you have nothing to do with her.

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    #13

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome For those that live with women: No matter what you are going to the grocery store for, just buy toilet paper.

    PM_ME_SOME_LUV , Ivan Radic Report

    #15

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome *up nod* What's up?

    *down nod* you have my respect

    *right nod* we need to chat

    *left nod* come check this out.

    CrustyJuggIerz , aux. Report

    #16

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome Don’t be scared to give compliments, we keep them in our “permanent memory” area.

    Hansyyyyy , Quinn Dombrowski Report

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

    It's when and how to give compliments that seems to trip up some men. Getting into a lift with a woman on their own. Not a good time to say you like their hair....

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    #17

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome When our balls stick to our thigh we have to take a big step to unstick them

    wetlettuce42 , WineCountry Media Report

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

    Ok y'all can't complain about us discussing this on BP and then complain about how some men are grossed out by periods. It's a fact of life.

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    #18

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome It’s is essential that we pee away the small bit of s**t on the side of the toilet bowl.

    HanzeeeeDent , Christian Heilmann Report

    #19

    Give respect until they prove they do not deserve it.

    ForgottenForce Report

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

    I have a motto: "everyone deserves your respect, not everyone deserves your time"

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    #20

    NEVER DM a woman for sex(maybe unless in a specific subreddit for that kind of stuff). Don't be so thirsty as to harass women

    sismetic Report

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

    This is a rule that should be for all genders every where but unfortunately this is not held true

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    #21

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome You can have a beer. But not if it's the last one.

    Don't roast a man in front of their kid.

    the_yeast_beast85 , Bernt Rostad Report

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

    Never disrespect a person Infront of their kids unless they themselves are disrespecting the kid

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    #22

    dont you f*****g dare start a conversation in the public bathroom

    anidiotyouidiot Report

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

    Even as a female, I get uncomfortable talking to anyone and anyone talking to me while I'm in a stall. mind your biz.

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    #23

    If a man brags about his garden, you let him talk, don't interrupt him saying yours is better

    SriveraRdz86 Report

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    Loading Screen Tips🇺🇦
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a "friend" that always makes it a competition, If you ran a mile over the weekend he ran 2, if you're playing a game, one time he "obliterated" a streamer on stream. it's super annoying and I've started to cut ties with him.

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    #24

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome If you are holding a stud finder, first thing you do is hold it to your chest and making a beeping noise

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    #25

    Don’t be funnier than your friend when he’s trying to impress a girl.

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    #26

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome I’m gonna add another urinal rule.

    While you’re peeing you’re allowed to fart uninhibited without acknowledgement and we won’t say s**t.

    But, once you’ve zipped up and head to the sink, that window has closed.

    You can still fart but, you can’t just act like it didn’t happen.

    blueholeload , Marco Report

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

    I dunno...If it's particularly uproarious, I'm probably gonna crack up involuntarily.

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    #28

    Never make eye contact with another man whilst eating a banana.

    hooch Report

    #29

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome Don't hit a man in the balls. Just don't.

    HopefulSite125 , Austin Kirk Report

    #30

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome dont "jokingly" put down your friends whenever a girl is around just so you can seem like some kinda alphachad, especially if they like the girl

    halfmeasures611 , Emmanuel Huybrechts Report

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    #31

    You MUST cringe every time you see another man get hit in the balls. If sitting crossing the legs as an additional response is acceptable.

    Novel_Bee_8761 Report

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    #32

    To look away when a girl is doing “certain” workouts at the gym

    yeetis12 Report

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

    Don't objectify women. Period. Full stop. It doesn't matter where they are or what they are doing.

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    #33

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome If you ask me about my feelings, I'll definitely be thankful and reply in an enthused manner. So don't do that.

    Kvistopolis , U.S. Department of Agriculture Report

    #34

    you can have the last slice of pizza; you can have the last beer. but you can not have both.

    HopefulSite125 Report

    #35

    It's better to look stupid (in some situation) than to actually be stupid.

    Also, who tf had *written* rules?

    pdonchev Report

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

    It is preferable to remain silent and appear the fool, than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.

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    #36

    Always give a firm handshake. People will think you are weak if you don't.

    gosu4you Report

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    #37

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome Don’t f**k with another man’s vehicle.

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    #38

    Don’t pee on electric fences or another man’s mother.

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    #39

    As soon as the house is empty( family depart), upstairs we go to de stress, giving the rest of the day the freedom and clarity it deserves.

    February83 Report

    #40

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome Double tap the drill to make sure it has power

    Floko262 , jseliger1 Report

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

    And either 1) Pretend it's a laser rifle OR 2) Pretend you're a robot by making whirr whirr noises while you walk. But never both, that would just be childish.

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    #41

    When having a heart to heart with a bro. Don't keep it too serious remember to also joke and make your bro smile.

    Fireboiio Report

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    Cuddly Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Nope. Disagree. Joking during a heart to heart can trivialize what the other person is saying.

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    #42

    If you secured something, you must slap it and say “it’s not going anywhere”!

    greatauror28 Report

    #43

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome If he's flirting with her, we don't interrupt until he takes a p**s

    M4dMil0 , Glenn Loos-Austin Report

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    #44

    30 Men Online Shared Their Unspoken “Guy Code” Rules And They’re Kind Of Wholesome If you introduce someone and say he's a friend of yours he's to be treated with respect.

    If you say he's a friend of ours then you can talk openly in front of him.

    dread_pirate_t , jeanbaptisteparis Report

    #45

    There is a line that men can innately feel. Its a line you dont cross, and you know if you do, things could get physical.

    Women cross those lines all the time, but men know you might get punched in the face.

    dr_freudenstein Report

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

    And dont ever bring up " shes just on her period " when you and your girl are arguing. Thats the fastest way to get dumped.

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    #47

    If your buddy's wife or girlfriend asks if he was with you, you say yes. Always.

    Then asap talk to your buddy and find out what's up.

    If he's cheating or treating her like s**t, then have a talk and get him to get his s**t together.
    But the original question always gets a "Yes, he was".

    the_timps Report

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

    No I'm not gonna lie for/protect AH behavior. Just because you're my friend that doesn't give you a free pass to be nasty and not be held accountable. If you can't be honest in your relationship it's your responsibility, not mine.

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    #48

    If it's a regular fight over a disagreement or something stupid that was said: no hair pulling, no nut shots, no eye gouging and no fish hooks.

    techminded Report

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

    What if you grab him by the hair, kick his nuts, and gouge out his eyes with a fish hook all at once?

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    #49

    If it ever comes up, all my bros are hung like mules.

    dread_pirate_t Report

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    #50

    Never, ever date your friend's ex or the girl he wants.

    cesariofs_ Report

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

    I met my husband through my ex-boyfriend. My husband and I are friends with my ex and his now-wife, because we are adults, not petty children. Just to be clear---there was no cheating in either relationship; my ex and I broke up without anyone else involved.

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    #51

    If someone makes a good pun you must express disgust and ask them to leave, and the guy after you must comment r/angryupvote.

    EnigmaticSorceries Report

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    mcborge1
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it's a friend you are both allowed to guffaw before you call them a tw@t. :D :D

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