Bromance is defined in the dictionary as a “close nonsexual friendship between men,” but any true bro knows it goes beyond just that. Since the term “bromance” was coined, it has become completely normal for a guy to share a tight, multidimensional relationship with a fellow man. While some cringe at the idea of being completely open and close with another guy, others find it completely normal to have a reliable companion to help get them through the struggles of everyday life. After a long day of classes, work and stress, you can always count on your bro to be there to cheer you up with a friendly (but not too friendly) hug or motivational comment that they heard on ESPN the other day.
Perhaps the most important aspect of a bromantic relationship is an understanding that all affection or enthusiasm shown is a result of mutual respect and loyalty to said bro. In no way does a bromance constitute being anything more than really close friends who share a lot of experiences together. Many even adhere to the ever popular “bro code,” a guide used to educate the male species on the art of being a bro.
The bro code gives a series of rules that a bro must abide by in order to properly behave around his bros. To give some perspective, some of the rules include: Article 53- A bro will, whenever possible, provide a bro with protection; Article 150- A bro never dates a bro’s ex-girlfriend (unless granted permission); or Article 35- A bro never rents chick flicks.
As its namesake would have you believe, a bromance emulates the concept of a brotherhood. You fight, you laugh, you cry (because real men aren’t afraid to cry) and you grow together. Related by blood or not, bros act like brothers all the same. You fight each other for some girl you think is attractive and then laugh it off like nothing happened when you find out the girl is already dating someone else. You’re constantly competing in any kind of video game or athletic related competition but won’t hesitate to pick a bro up when he has fallen.
Having a bromance with other guys is nothing to be ashamed of. Your bros help push you and help you grow into the man you’re supposed to be. Without your bros, who would challenge you to eat an entire box of Oreos in one sitting, then push you to run five miles afterward? Some may not be as sentimental as others, but at the end of the day, saying, “I love you, man,” is purely a sign of brotherly respect.
Around the UT campus, most guys I spoke with have a favorable view of the bromance idea. The general consensus is that it isn’t some kind of strange romantic bond but, rather, a close friendship between guys that are comfortable enough to be completely open with each other.
Senior Gordon Bonnett described the dynamics between him and his best bro, Miles Parks. “Miles and I are the stereotypical definition of a bromance. We see shows together… We’re like family. We’ve just been through everything.” According to Bonnett, they hardly fight or get on each other’s cases, but when they do, it’s usually about “money or women––sometimes both at the same time.” The occasional fight will come up eventually because honesty is part of the bro code, after all.
“Ultimately, if you know someone long enough, you can have those difficult discussions and overcome any obstacle,” Bonnett said. Others agreed with Bonnett’s sentiments.
When asked about his own personal bromance with close friends Joe Dimaio and Andrew Riehm, senior Jackson Harris commented, “We just like hanging out, poking fun at each other and going to cool places…(added in jest) occasionally we’ll cuddle.” The three friends embrace their mutual bromance but also concur that not everyone respects the idea or understands it for that matter.
“Some guys may not like it because they feel like people are going to judge them for it. Ultimately, you have to be comfortable enough with yourself to not worry about what other people think,” Dimaio said. Riehm added, “As long as my bromance doesn’t interfere with my girlfriend, then I’m good.”
In essence, bromance, brotherhood, bro-dom or whatever you may call it is a unique bond only capable within the male species. While some may reject the glory of the bromantic bond, those that embrace it know how cool it is to have bros that you can depend on no matter what.
Griffin Guinta can be reached at griffinguinta@gmail.com