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“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)

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Masculinity can be healthy and wholesome, not just toxic and destructive. It is genuinely heartwarming when you see men have each other’s backs through thick and thin. We call these subtle supportive behaviors, unwritten rules, and male etiquette the ‘bro code.’
Men revealed the biggest ‘bro code’ rules they live by, including many that you may not have heard about, in a fascinatingly open and honest online thread. We’re bringing you the most interesting ones that show how loyal, brotherly, and honorable men can be when it counts.

#1

Article 22: There is no law that prohibits a woman from being a bro

Women make excellent bros.
33points

#2

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
If you borrow a tool, return it in better condition than you got it. Even a hammer, give that thing a scrub with a cloth and make it shiny. 
Chainsaw? Put some fuel in it and remove any saw dust that has collected. 
And if you break it or lose it, you buy a new one but one class better and return that.
28points

#3

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
I once went over to a buddy's house to help him pack up and move out after his wife ended her life. She was a 911 operator and struggled with depression for a long time.

My wife could not understand how we spent probably 6 hours together and I never asked one question about her, what happened, why, or how he was doing. We just hung out and joked, laughed, and got things done.

Bro code is since he isn't bringing it up, he's probably not ready to talk about it. Whether that's actually healthy or not is another matter.
24points

To be fair, the so-called ‘bro code,’ a loose set of guidelines for men interacting with other men, can be wholesome or toxic, depending on how it is used. For example, men who support their family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers when they are struggling with their mental health or a personal crisis should be applauded. However, men who protect each other when it comes to unethical behavior like cheating, lying, violence, etc., are making things worse for everyone, including themselves.

In a nutshell, the ‘bro code’ can be used by men to be brotherly, loyal, honorable, and empathetic. And yet, that same unwritten code can be misused to promote corruption, selfishness, and manipulation.

#4

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
One time my bro split up with his gf and i visited him and i asked only one question. "do you want to talk about it or we just play [insert favorite game here]?". we played tekken for 3 hours straight. on the way out he turned to me and just said "thanks man". That's all he needed.
22points

#5

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
If a friend shows deep emotion then listen, look after them and never speak of it again.

Melodic-Internet-489:

It is the ultimate form of unspoken loyalty to be the safe vault where your friend can completely break down without ever having to worry about facing the shame of it the next day.
21points

#6

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
Had a friend pass away unexpectedly. Another friend broke into his apt and spent hours cleaning [adult content] off his hard drive/deleting his search history so the guy’s mom would never see it. That’s bro code.
16points

The issue is not masculinity in itself. The issue is when it is taken to the extreme and becomes harmful to both the men who embody those traits and the people around them. In other words, toxic masculinity is an unbalanced sliver of masculinity, where aggression, toughness, strength, competitiveness, emotional unavailability, and risky behavior are dialed up to the max.

What’s more, toxic men tend to be very promiscuous while also criticizing women for behaving the same way as them. Moreover, they tend to avoid housework, cooking, and childcare, as they see them as ‘unmanly’ instead of basic things that every functioning member of society should be able to do.

Toxic masculinity is a core reason why some men will refuse to see a doctor when their health is failing or a mental health specialist when they are struggling. They believe that they should never show any weakness, ever.

#7

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
If a strange guy comes up to you at a bar and looks scared or worried, you immediately pretend like they're your friend and protect them from the creepy girl who's harassing them.
14points

#8

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
Even though my best buddy and i are deeply connected, he does not ask me about the scars on my body, its obvious i did it myself, but i think he believes that if i dont mention it myself, i dont want to speak about it. Even though he must be curious about it, he hasnt asked me in 11 years.
14points

#9

If we haven't talked in a long time, all is good and we're still friends.
12points

However, there exists a healthy version of masculinity that is the opposite of toxic masculinity that is being promoted by some male influencers and social media gurus.

According to the BBC, some of the main healthy masculine traits are:

  1. Authenticity
  2. Confidence
  3. Kindness
  4. Strength
  5. Intelligence
  6. Supportive and encouraging behavior
  7. Honesty about how you feel
  8. Being aware of your emotions and those of other people

“Being a boy or a man doesn't mean you need to be defined by or have all of these traits. You should also never feel like you have to follow a set of rules or viewpoints that can hurt you or other people,” the BBC writes.

#10

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
Ignore her advances if she came with someone else. I had a childhood friend meet up in Vegas once and he brought this girl he was trying to wife up. She got drunk and said she wanted to "sleep with me" and then kept saying it. Out loud. Over 2 days. It made things awkward between me and my friend and for some reason he acted like I was the problem.

He stopped talking to me for like 10 years. We finally got to taking recently and the subject came up. I explained to him that he was a childhood friend and if he brought her, he was obviously interested in her. Taking her advances was both a big betrayal to him and against my ethics.

She was smoking hot. Way hotter than anyone who's shown interest in me in my entire life. Even until today. And I chose friendship.
11points

#11

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
If you borrow another man's car, you return it with a full tank, no exceptions, and regardless of how much it had in there when he lent it to you, yes, even it was a quarter of a tank.
11points

#12

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
When helping on a project, like drywall or building a birdhouse or whatever, the home owner or renter, or the progenitor of the project, is always deferred to.

If there's cool sawing to be done, precise drilling, hanging, leveling, etc, it's the progenitor that does it. You're there to help. You hold the ladder. You grab the other end of the board as it comes off the table saw. You make sure he has the tools he needs when he needs them.

I don't know that I've ever had to explain this or had it explained to me, but the hierarchy exists and is obeyed 99% of the time.
11points

What are some ‘bro code’ or any other unwritten code rules that you follow to support your friends, family, and the other people close to you in your life? What values should everyone embody?

From your perspective, realistically speaking, what can all men do to embrace healthy masculinity and avoid the more toxic aspects of ‘bro culture’? How can men have each other’s backs when they are in the middle of a serious personal crisis?

Share your thoughts, opinions, and experiences in the comments below. And remember to reach out to the people you love today to let them know that you’re there for them. We can all use that small reminder that someone’s silently looking out for us.

#13

Idk if women know this or not but sometimes we insult each other and it means you’re good friends bc you can call each other insults and laugh about it.
11points

#14

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
1) you can't date his little sister unless you get his approval. Yeah, it's sexist as hell. But a big brother protects his kid sister from creeps like his best friends. Likewise, you're not supposed to date his ex.

2) if he offers you a beer, you can't complain about the brand. Free beer is good beer.
10points

#15

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
If you see a guy with their fly open, even if it's a stranger on the street, you discreetly tell them.
10points

#16

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
I was watching A Man on the Inside and there was a scene where Max Greenfield's character went up to a urinal and dropped his pants to his ankles. I started lauging because it was just so random and ridiculous. My wife didn't get it. I tried explaining to her that you just don't drop your pants to your ankles at a urinal, at least not past 2nd grade. It's against the code. You pull the front of the pants/underwear down just enough to get the dude out and do your business. She had absolutely no idea about urinal code.
10points

#17

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
My cousin passed away (who i did not see for a long time) in a horrible accident. My uncle asked me to hack his computer so his wife could accès some crucial information .

Found out he had been cheating on his wife and his mistress had been worried sick in his e-mail.

I informed her of the unfortunate situation and deleted all evidence cause his wife and kids deserve a clean memory of him.
9points

#18

Never mock a friend’s quiet vulnerabilities in front of others.If a buddy opens up about heartbreak, anxiety or failure in private, you never tease or reference that sensitive moment in group settings or around women to get laughs; private struggles stay private outside your one-on-one chat.
9points

#19

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
In public restrooms, go to the urinal that is furthest away from any other occupied urinal. Do not stand next to another man at a urinal when there are other urinals or toilet stalls available.
8points

#20

“What Is A ‘Bro Code’ Rule That Women Probably Don't Know Exists?” (54 Answers)
Don't share details of your partner's body or performance. Talk about yours all you want, but have respect for the woman.
8points
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