Some girls just naturally find themselves more at ease around guys growing up.
They’re drawn to male friendships, and those bonds end up shaping who they become as adults in ways they might not even realize.
This isn’t about trying to fit in with the boys or favoring one gender over another.
It’s simply about who you click with on a deeper level and the lessons you pick up from those connections.
Over the years, I’ve noticed a few common patterns in women who grew up with more guy friends than girl friends.
These aren’t set-in-stone rules, but they’re interesting traits that might help you understand yourself or someone you know a little better.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how those early friendships impact you now, let’s dive into the 8 traits often seen in women who felt more at home with their male friends as kids.
1) They’re comfortable in their skin
Women who were more friends with boys during their childhood tend to display a certain level of comfort and confidence in their own skin.
This is perhaps because they’ve spent their formative years in an environment where they needed to be assertive and confident to keep up with their male friends.
It’s not about trying to fit into a masculine mold or trying to be “one of the guys.”
It’s about learning to be themselves in any situation, and that’s a trait that often sticks with them as they grow up.
This type of confidence is not about arrogance or self-importance.
It’s about understanding oneself, knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses, and being comfortable with who they are.
These women typically don’t feel the need to conform to societal expectations of femininity.
They are comfortable being themselves, and that makes them stand out.
They are often seen as leaders and innovators because they’re not afraid to go against the grain.
Again, this is an observation, not a rule.
There are plenty of women who have had more female friends growing up and are just as comfortable in their skin.
But based on my experiences, this trait seems more pronounced in those who had more male friends during their childhood.
2) They have a heightened sense of empathy
Here’s a trait that might surprise you.
Women who grew up with more male friends often exhibit a heightened sense of empathy.
Contrary to the stereotype that boys are less emotionally expressive than girls, these women have learned to read subtle emotional cues in their male friends.
Growing up among boys, they were often the go-to person for advice and emotional support, helping their friends navigate through their feelings.
This constant exposure to the emotional side of their male friends has honed their empathetic skills.
As adults, these women can connect deeply with people on an emotional level.
They understand that everyone has a different emotional landscape and they’re not quick to judge.
Instead, they listen, empathize, and offer support when needed.
This heightened sense of empathy allows them to build strong relationships, both personally and professionally.
It’s an invaluable trait that allows them to connect with others on a profound level.
3) They’re less likely to fall into codependency
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that women who had more male friends growing up tend to be less likely to fall into codependent relationships.
It seems that their early experiences have given them a strong sense of self, which in turn helps them maintain healthy boundaries in their adult relationships.
Having spent time with boys, they’ve learned to assert their needs and wants clearly, and they’re not afraid of disagreements or confrontations.
They understand the importance of maintaining their individuality even within a relationship.
This is a topic I delve into quite deeply in one of my books, where I discuss the ways to overcome codependency.
It’s all about fostering an independent spirit and recognizing your worth outside of any relationship.
But back to the point, these women are often better at avoiding the trap of codependency because they learned early on how to balance closeness with independence.
This doesn’t mean they don’t value deep connections or that they’re emotionally distant – far from it.
It just means they understand the importance of maintaining their own identity even while being part of a couple.
4) They’re adaptable and resilient
Women who grew up with more male friends often demonstrate remarkable adaptability and resilience.
By navigating through the dynamics of male friendships, they’ve learned to adjust to different situations and bounce back from challenges.
In my own life, I’ve found that my childhood friendships with boys taught me to be flexible and adaptable.
I learned to roll with the punches and not take things too personally.
It has helped me navigate through various challenges in my personal and professional life.
This adaptability and resilience serve them well as adults, enabling them to handle life’s ups and downs with grace and grit.
Whether it’s in their careers, relationships, or personal endeavors, they show a remarkable ability to keep going no matter what life throws at them.
5) They value honesty and straightforward communication
In my experience, women who had more male friends growing up often appreciate directness and honesty in communication.
They are used to the straightforward nature of boys who tend to say things as they are, without much sugarcoating.
They carry this appreciation for honesty into their adult lives and prefer open and transparent discussions over roundabout conversations.
They’re not afraid to speak their minds, and they appreciate it when others do the same.
6) They are natural problem solvers
Many women who had more male friends during their formative years have a knack for problem-solving.
They’ve grown up surrounded by an environment that often encouraged practical solutions and hands-on approaches to challenges.
Being part of this environment, they developed an ability to think on their feet and tackle problems head-on.
They’re not afraid of challenges; instead, they see them as opportunities to learn and grow.
From my own experience, I can say that this exposure to problem-solving mindsets at an early age has been invaluable.
It has helped me navigate through various challenges in life, both personal and professional.
For more insights like these and to keep up with my latest articles, feel free to follow me on Facebook. I regularly share my thoughts and experiences there.
7) They can feel misunderstood
Let’s get real here. Women who had more male friends growing up can often feel misunderstood.
They may have faced judgments or stereotypes because they didn’t fit into the traditional mold of girlhood friendships.
They might have been labeled as “tomboys,” “one of the guys,” or even questioned about their femininity.
It can be difficult to navigate these labels and misconceptions.
A study highlights that girls who engage in cross-gender friendships often encounter societal stereotypes that can lead to misunderstandings about their identity and character, affecting their self-perception and social interactions.
As adults, these women often continue to face misunderstandings.
People might assume things about their character or intentions based on their past friendships with males. These assumptions can be hurtful and frustrating.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s experiences and relationships shape them differently.
The friendships we form in our childhood, whether with boys or girls, contribute to our development in unique ways.
And being misunderstood doesn’t diminish the value of these experiences or the traits they help to shape.
Wrapping up
The myriad experiences and relationships we form as we grow up have a profound impact on the adults we become.
For women who had more male friends during their childhood, their experiences have shaped them in unique ways, creating a distinct set of traits that set them apart.
However, it’s important to remember that every person’s experience is unique, and these traits aren’t exclusive to women who had more male friends.
They are simply trends I’ve observed in my work as a relationship expert.
As Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
These women have lived this quote, embracing their unique childhood experiences and carrying the lessons and influences into their adult lives.
Whether you relate to these traits or know someone who does, it’s crucial to understand that our past shapes us but doesn’t define us.
We are all on our own unique journeys of self-discovery and growth.
To gain further insights into this topic, I highly recommend watching this video by Justin Brown:
In the video, Justin shares his personal journey of being single and lonely in a big city and the insights he gained along the way.
His experiences echo many of the traits we’ve discussed here, offering a deeper exploration into the impact of our childhood friendships on our adult lives.
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