Bromance: We all need friends

We all know there are a multitude of differences between boys and girls. Stereotypically, girls like to cook and boys like to eat. Girls like to giggle and talk about boys. Boys like to be macho and discuss cars. Girls have their girlfriends, while boys have their boyfriends or “bromances”. Does all of this sound familiar?

However, despite their differences, both genders are more similar than we think. We all have the same needs, wants and expectations. Boys, just like girls, need friends. Be it one, two, three or a handful.  A study carried out by Chivas Regal describes and explains the “Evolution of Friendship” or commonly known bromance within the male world.

Bromance is the combination of the words bro or brother and romance. Friendships among men are often primarily based on shared activities. This can include playing video games, smoking cigars, fishing, camping or social drinking.

Take a look at Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith, both younglings, whose passion and love for music has created a friendship. They have indeed done more than a few duets together already. Sing away boys!

We also have the famous friendships of Friends characters Chandler, Joey and Ross. Each would do anything for the other. Chandler is the clown, “The Wit”, the one who cannot stop himself from cracking a witty remark.  Joey, on the other hand is a bit of a fool, the naive lovable character, “The Explorer”. And then there’s Ross, the intellect, “The Coach”, sensitive to everyone’s feelings and dependable. Each with their own character; they work together as a united group, always looking out for each other.

A number of celebrities have engaged in bromances with fellow celebrities. Think Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, described as “perhaps the pioneering bromance in showbiz history”. So famous, that an off-Broadway play called Matt and Ben was named after them. Then you have the close friendship between George Clooney and Brad Pitt, it’s even described by some as “George’s longest lasting affair”.

Bromances on television have also become more commonplace, starting as early back as The Odd Couple. Other shows that can be included are How I met Your Mother, Scrubs, Happy Days and Boy Meets World; each having strong lead characters with serious bromantic relationships.

The film I Love You Man starrs Paul Rudd as a heterosexual groom trying to find a best man and best friend before his wedding, and has Jason Segel as his bromantic partner. Also in the film Superbad, Jonah Hill and Michael Cera play the role of best friends Seth and Evan who confess their brotherly love for each other.

Can a dog also be considered man’s best friend? Shaggy and Scooby Doo prove so. The point is, the number of friends is not relevant. It is a number that increases or decreases with time. It is about having someone there for you – a bro who is a friend.

Pooja Sahny

Read Chivas Regal’s opinion on male friendships here.