Michelle and her best friend, Curtis, in FL for Spring Break

My Best Friend is a Guy

By Michelle, 15 By Girls, For Girls National Advisory Committee member

Don't get me wrong—I have female friends. But I pretty much do everything with my best friend, Curtis. We share a lot of the same interests, like acting, music, video games, movies, biking, and swimming. When we're together, it's very comfortable; we're ourselves and there's no need to get "gussied up."

My mom says Curtis and I are "joined at the hip" (which is true). I met him through an acting workshop I took in seventh grade. He was a spontaneous kid who made me laugh. So we got to know each other and things just took off from there.

Like a Brother

The advantages of having a guy for a best friend are plentiful. For one thing, we don't fight about stupid things (like if Chad Michael Murray really is hotter than Johnny Depp). But sometimes we fight but because he's like family to me; our fights are like those between a brother and sister.

In fact, I grew up with two brothers, so talking to guys isn't that hard for me. Granted, there are some things that most girls don't want to talk about with a guy, but Curtis and I are older and more mature now so we talk about everything, including periods. If he asks me a question about it, I have no problem answering.

Getting to Know You

It's not always easy (and hasn't always been) to be friends with him. At first, my parents wanted to protect me and felt like they needed to know Curtis too, so they would invite him along on fun, family outings. Now, my parents are really cool with letting me have Curtis as my best friend—they even encourage it!

Sometimes, talking with him can be difficult. But as soon as the communication barrier is broken, it's great. Other times, all he wants to do is play video games or teach me stuff on the computer.

Friendly Advice

All in all, our friendship is an indescribable thing. It's a kind of friendship you have to try for yourself.

Here are some things to know about being BFF with a guy:

Don't…become best friends with your crush. It won't make it easy on you later to ask him out.

Do…stick to doing things together that guys and girls enjoy, like movies, swimming, and biking.

Just remember to be yourself and have fun!