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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

#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

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#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.

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#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

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

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#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.

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#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

#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

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ShriSha Kamboj
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

depends on the fight ig...what if they are trying to kill u?

justathought avatar
Joonscrab
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not a fight anymore. That's literally an (attempted) murder.

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eaglegirl36 avatar
Eagle Girl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Girl code is if a guy crosses a line that will be the 1st cross back we go for

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

Not a universal law this....My rule: I'll never start a physical fight, but when you do, I'll end it any way I can, and all tactics are valid.

mwangim62 avatar
Rijkærd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In a fight where I'm protecting myself from injury?? Man I will do whatever s**t yet to be invented by the freaking Geneva asswipes...imma kick em till they about to popcorn out of your pants ...

kingkashue avatar
King Kashue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

100%. And, given that literally the only time I'm going to get into a fight is if I think my physical safety is in danger and I'm defending myself, if I'm fighting, I'm fighting dirty af.

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catmarshall57 avatar
BusLady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't the referee announce it? No hitting below the belt. Or is that only in movies?

ghuleca14 avatar
Immortal Emperor Paradox
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

BS. Many guys who fight don't hit the groin because they don't know how to fight, or they know each other well and don't actually have enmity.

autumnmcconda avatar
Autumn Artemis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it’s more referring to a “friendly” brawl thing? My cousins like to rumble all the time out of pure boredom, and I know they have this rule. But yeah if it’s anything else, unleash demons.

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

I believe there's a whole movie about a club that does just that, but we don't really talk about it.

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dexykoer avatar
I Liquored On
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

F**k that. If some arsehole is swinging at me I will throw dirt in his eyes and kick him in the balls. Do you know how easy it is to get killed and end up on the evening news? No thanks, Im going home.

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

In a real fight, you will hit the groin especially. In a play fight, it should be pretty damn clear you don't.

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

If the intent is letting out pent-up aggression in classic pugilistic fashion but lasting harm is not intended, then abide by the standard rules of conduct. If the intent is unclear or harm is intended to yourself or others, then it is generally morally irresponsible to "fight fair." Personally, I would advise to generally avoid situations where a concussion is a likely outcome altogether -- inasmuch as is possible, of course.

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Igor914624
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you are 5'4" tall/150Lbs and the other guy is 6' tall /250lbs then the groin, eyes or anything else is acceptable. There is no such thing as a fair fight when in that situation.

kobusloots avatar
Kobus Loots
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't follow this rule, if you choose to fight me then I will do anything to win

benicia_99 avatar
Azure Adams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ladies: always go for the groin and never stop. Even when he's down and out, don't stop.

dmarsh avatar
Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

King of the Hill covered this masterfully. Bobby went to a self-defense course (I forget if with his Mom or with Luanne), and learned to aim for the groin in a fight. Bad, bad, bad events unfolded.

hansbrandt avatar
Hans Brandt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been assaulted 3 on 1 and let me tell you, his groin got a punch real fast!

patrickstpatrick2 avatar
Thomson StClair
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

any act of violence against me, I take as a threat on my life. If you intend to do me bodily har, there is no "bro code" bullshit. I will do whatever it takes to incapacitate you, as I assume you will be doing what you can to incapacitate me. Fights are not sparring contests.

cronz avatar
C Ronz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont believe in fighting fair, I believe in overwhelming force

write_nathan avatar
Hobby Hopper
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only way I'm ever going to fight is if it's life or death, and then all bets are off. I'll go for the groin, the jugular, eyeballs, tire iron to the temple, whatever it takes.

f_h_ avatar
F. H.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That depends on how serious the fight is, but it's ture - and quite stupid, considered that a good blow to the face can instantly kill you.

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#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

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#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

#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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