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.
#61
Don't s**t talk your Bro's GF/wife/partner. If your Bro doing some minor griping about their GF, you tell them a minor gripe about your GF. This griping will never be mentioned to either GF. The only time s**t talk is allowable is after they break up and Bro needs to vent. Then you can vent with them knowing the relationship is over. But if they are still working things through, you don't say a word.
Don't repeat something your Bro told you in confidence to anyone. Same as the griping. If your Bro opens up about anything they wouldn't normally share, it is treated like a state secret to never be shared. Not with anyone he knows, not with your GF, not with other Bros.
If a Bro asks for help on something that involves manual labor, Bro should provide cold beverages during the task and food after the task is complete. If a Bro has helped you with manual labor in the past, you must help them.
If Bro is hosting a get together, you offer to bring something. Snacks, beer, side dish, etc. Always thank Bro for hosting at the conclusion of the event.
Bro time may seem like it's just goofing around or playing games, but Bro time is a crucial part of mental health upkeep for Bros. It's one of the few times Bros can be honest and open without fear of judgement. If Bro has stress from work, family, GF, whatever, then Bro Time is when they decompress and relax.
A wife/partner/GF that respects Bro time and Bro relationship is a keeper and will be treated with respect. Wife/partner/GF that calls Bro time immature or tries to diminish is a Red Flag.
If a former Bro returns after breaking up with a Red Flag wife/partner/GF then you welcome them back. But s**t talk is allowed about Red Flag under the post Breakup rules.
Understand that Bro Code does not endorse or tolerate a*****e, controlling, or s****y behavior outside of Bro group. Bros should treat everyone with a basic level of courtesy and respect. If you see your Bro acting in an unacceptable manner, you confront them with, "What the hell, Bro?" If Bro continues unacceptable behavior, Bro can and will lose Bro status and just be a POS.
Standards for unacceptable behavior may not match wife/partner/GF standards. If Bro needs alibi because wife/partner/GF is insecure, jealous, or controlling, you back Bro up. If Bro is wanting to actively deceive wife/partner/GF for cheating or blatant disrespect, you explain that's out of bounds and it makes you uncomfortable and refuse.
Bro should never ask another Bro to do something they are not comfortable with.
A Bro's work, family, relationship should be respected by other Bros.
Overall the Bro Code is not misogynistic. While "Bros before Hoes" does use an unflattering term, that's just to make a memorable rhyme. But it means that long term, deep friendships should be valued and not tossed aside in pursuit of getting laid.
Don't repeat something your Bro told you in confidence to anyone. Same as the griping. If your Bro opens up about anything they wouldn't normally share, it is treated like a state secret to never be shared. Not with anyone he knows, not with your GF, not with other Bros.
If a Bro asks for help on something that involves manual labor, Bro should provide cold beverages during the task and food after the task is complete. If a Bro has helped you with manual labor in the past, you must help them.
If Bro is hosting a get together, you offer to bring something. Snacks, beer, side dish, etc. Always thank Bro for hosting at the conclusion of the event.
Bro time may seem like it's just goofing around or playing games, but Bro time is a crucial part of mental health upkeep for Bros. It's one of the few times Bros can be honest and open without fear of judgement. If Bro has stress from work, family, GF, whatever, then Bro Time is when they decompress and relax.
A wife/partner/GF that respects Bro time and Bro relationship is a keeper and will be treated with respect. Wife/partner/GF that calls Bro time immature or tries to diminish is a Red Flag.
If a former Bro returns after breaking up with a Red Flag wife/partner/GF then you welcome them back. But s**t talk is allowed about Red Flag under the post Breakup rules.
Understand that Bro Code does not endorse or tolerate a*****e, controlling, or s****y behavior outside of Bro group. Bros should treat everyone with a basic level of courtesy and respect. If you see your Bro acting in an unacceptable manner, you confront them with, "What the hell, Bro?" If Bro continues unacceptable behavior, Bro can and will lose Bro status and just be a POS.
Standards for unacceptable behavior may not match wife/partner/GF standards. If Bro needs alibi because wife/partner/GF is insecure, jealous, or controlling, you back Bro up. If Bro is wanting to actively deceive wife/partner/GF for cheating or blatant disrespect, you explain that's out of bounds and it makes you uncomfortable and refuse.
Bro should never ask another Bro to do something they are not comfortable with.
A Bro's work, family, relationship should be respected by other Bros.
Overall the Bro Code is not misogynistic. While "Bros before Hoes" does use an unflattering term, that's just to make a memorable rhyme. But it means that long term, deep friendships should be valued and not tossed aside in pursuit of getting laid.
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2points
#63
If they are brokenhearted or low, and they walk off by themselves towards the woods with a bottle of liquor. You follow.
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2points
#64
That nobody actually enforces bro code. guys just think "hmmm i wont trust that guy with info, or around me again...." girls enforce girl code through mental warfare and social exclusion.
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2points
#65
Perhaps women know this, but if you d*e unexpectedly like a friend of mine did years ago, we will clean all of the pornography off of your computer before it goes to your family.
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2points
#66
If your friend likes a girl and you’re both next to her, he’s the funniest guy you’ve ever met.
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2points
#67
Can't date your bro's ex, even if it is years later and he is married to another.
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2points
#68
Hangouts or boys trips are not the place to talk about deep or emotional things. The time and place for that happens naturally.
If a bros family member died, or he and his girl broke up etc… you don’t mention it and don’t ask how they’re doing
We are hanging out to have fun, and he definitely is using it as an escape to take his mind off of whatever else is going on, bringing it up completely shatters that bubble of normalcy that they desperately need right now.
If he does want to talk about it, then he will say something about it, usually at 3 am, while hammered. You listen, build him back up to a point where he can enjoy the rest of the night or trip, and never, ever, mention that conversation again.
If a bros family member died, or he and his girl broke up etc… you don’t mention it and don’t ask how they’re doing
We are hanging out to have fun, and he definitely is using it as an escape to take his mind off of whatever else is going on, bringing it up completely shatters that bubble of normalcy that they desperately need right now.
If he does want to talk about it, then he will say something about it, usually at 3 am, while hammered. You listen, build him back up to a point where he can enjoy the rest of the night or trip, and never, ever, mention that conversation again.
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2points
#69
NEVER and I mean NEVER tell another soul about another man's search history. Keep it to yourself.
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2points
#70
Don’t cheat on your barber. Either move cities, or cut your own hair.
1point
#71
If you and a bro get drunk and end up doing some gay stuff, the rule is you can never talk about it. That way, it didn’t happen. Bro’s on here will deny this ever happened to them. But that’s the code.
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1point
#72
Just buy the book by Barney Stinson. They are all written down. Also, get the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition. That's a good read for acquiring profit.
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1point
#75
Don't date your friends ex without telling them first. This is on the dude not the woman.
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1point
#77
Do not ever go into another man’s house if his wife or girlfriend is there alone.
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1point
#79
When you and your bros are meeting up to relax, tea and biscuits are a must.
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1point