A bromance is a close, platonic male friendship based on support and deep affection. Sometimes weird, but always sincere, a relationship like this is a great way to say "I love you!" But if you've never had such a bond, finding a good companion can be tough. Whether you're on the hunt for your Robin or have recently met a potential best friend, knowing exactly how to embark on a bromance will get you off on the right foot.
Steps
Step 1. Spend more time with men
Try to see your friends more often and dedicate yourself to what you enjoy doing with them, whether it's for work or in your free time. Build a good relationship with their friends too. Instead of inviting them to watch the game and have a couple of beers and finish it there, you might want to make different suggestions, like going to a new band or playing Frisbee golf in the park. Buy two tickets to go to the cinema or to a concert and then ask a friend if they would like to accompany you. Even though you don't have any friends yet, you have no shortage of possibilities; for example, you can meet new people through your girlfriend or wife, sign up for a class or join an online forum. Many bromances develop precisely in this way, that is, through the sharing of experiences: concerts, video games, etc.
Step 2. Bond with the boys
Trying to cultivate a good relationship with acquaintances, in order to develop a deeper bond, is often not good for men, because it embarrasses them. Here's what to try:
- Tell personal facts that you usually keep to yourself. Having a solid relationship means being able to count on a trusted ally with whom you can truly be yourself and talk about topics that you generally don't deal with with other people, except with your significant other.
- Ask him for advice. Not only does it show him that you respect his opinion, you will also make him feel more involved in your life and its developments.
- Make sure you reciprocate. You shouldn't be babbling about your life when you know he has a couple of secrets he wants to share with you. Ask him how he is, especially if he seems shaken and out of his mind. Don't insist, just a simple question: "You look down in the dumps, is there something wrong?". If he tells you he's okay, leave it alone.
Step 3. Make it all random, at least on the surface
- Respect the implied code that you must never talk about bromance (it's like the first rule of the Fight Club). While women generally do a lot of things to publicly strengthen their friendship, men don't take affection lightly and don't go and write “Tvb” in emails, nor do they exchange overly intimate gestures. However, they know they can count on their best friend, they will offer him a drink when his girlfriend dumps him, and they will always know where to take him to eat to cheer him up. Explicit declarations are not necessary.
- Don't do anything that makes him feel like it's on a date. Going out to dinner together to get to know each other makes it seem like you're laying the foundations for a romantic relationship, so avoid the classic dating you would do with a girl and try typical male activities. Of course, that doesn't mean the two of you can never go to dinner at a fancy restaurant alone, but you have to wait for the relationship to solidify to do so.
Step 4. Ask for approval
Many male friendships have been destroyed due to a girlfriend meddling between her man and her best friend, so keep this advice in mind, even if you are single, because you may always know a woman you will like.
- Tell your girlfriend or wife that you would like to have a close friend. Explain that you would be happy to cultivate such a relationship, and that you know she will understand you because she herself has best friends with whom she enjoys herself. In case she is jealous, remind her that bromance will not take you away from your relationship.
- Make sure your better half and your best friend get along well. If you are in a serious relationship with a woman, introduce her to your friend right away. Try to find common interests, and be careful not to neglect your girlfriend when she's around too.
- Treat your friend's girlfriend or wife with respect, however much you hate her with all your heart. Your friend has the right to decide who to stay with - that's his business. If he asks for an opinion, offer it to him, but ultimately you must support the relationship, not destroy it. Do you think she is a harpy? Be patient. Sooner or later he will figure it out for himself.
Step 5. Keep the relationship alive
All relationships need attention, and male friendships don't escape the rule. See your friend often and make sure you spend a good chunk of time with him alone, without your girlfriends. However, attacking you like a mussel to a rock will be maddening and hurt the relationship. Try to find a fun activity that you can do together regularly, as if it were some kind of ritual: weekly poker night, daily gym sessions, concerts of your favorite band every time they play in your area.
Advice
- If you share an interest that could turn into an idea to go into business, pursue your dreams: you could find yourself with a friendship, but also profitable. However, it must be remembered that bad decisions can make two friends estranged, so think carefully before subjecting the relationship to the cold world of business.
- Throughout history, many intense male relationships have become famous, and nowadays there are many examples of pairs of friends in the spotlight, as these people belong to the world of politics, television and film. It is normal and healthy.
