Buzz
Bromandments that every Bro should recognize and respect
Similar to the Code of Hammurabi or the Bushido laws of the Samurai, the Bro Code is a time-honored collection of guidelines that steer the actions of a Bro. It's often confused with the Regulations of the Bruh and the Dude Laws, but the Bro Code is a much more inclusive and universally accepted set of principles. We’re joking—the Bro Code is mostly a playful and humorous collection of unwritten rules dictating how men are expected to behave. While many bro code 'rules' are funny or exaggerated, there’s some truth to the idea that men follow an unspoken creed—one based on respect, camaraderie, and even some surprisingly particular rules like which urinal to choose. Keep reading to discover everything there is to know about the Bro Code.
Steps
Always support your bro.
This is the foundational element of the Bro Code. It is the cornerstone upon which the entire structure of Bro-dom rests. Always be there for your friend. If they’re in need, you drop what you’re doing and be there. If they’ve just gone through a breakup, offer a shoulder to lean on and take them out for a night with the crew. If they’re facing any challenge, it's your duty to look out for them.
- However, this doesn't mean you should support any harmful or reckless behavior. If your friend asks you to help them rob a bank, it’s your responsibility to intervene and stop them.
Be an excellent wingman.
If your friend is hitting it off with someone, do everything you can to give them some space, entertain their date’s friends, and steer the night so they can grab some alone time. Be the ultimate wingman to ensure your homies get the opportunity to make their move when the moment is right.
Don’t date your friend’s ex.
Or their sister. At least, not without their clear and enthusiastic approval. Relationships with a friend’s ex or family member can get messy, even if you start with the best of intentions. So, it’s usually best to find someone new.
- This is one of those practical bro code rules. It’s not necessarily wrong to date someone’s ex or family member, but things can quickly spiral out of control when complications arise.
Be inclusive.
Bros don’t discriminate, end of story. Whether one of your bros proudly identifies as LGBTQ+, or one of your bros isn’t even a dude at all, true bros embrace inclusivity. The world is already full of people who try to build themselves up by putting others down, so don’t contribute to that negativity. You can’t truly live by the bro code if you don’t show respect to others.
- Don’t be fooled by the name, “bro.” Girls can totally be bros too. So can non-binary folks. Being a bro is all about mentality, not about fitting into some narrow category.
Defend your bros.
If anyone is being nasty, hateful, or aggressive towards one of your friends, stand your ground for them. Even if you don’t speak up, just stand by their side and show that you’ve got their back. Every bro is responsible for looking out for each other, so don’t shy away when things get tense.
- This doesn’t mean you should start a fight. Don’t escalate things unless absolutely necessary.
Honor your bets and debts.
The bet is a fundamental part of modern culture, and you can tell a lot about someone by how they handle losing a bet. Always honor your word if a bet doesn’t go in your favor—especially if the stakes were something like beer or a favor. In fact, if you owe someone anything, make sure to pay it back. Never dodge your debts.
Take care of your intoxicated bros.
Never let anyone drive while intoxicated. If your friends are too drunk to make it home, let them crash on your couch. Offer your drunk friend some water to help them sober up. It’s no secret that a lot of bros love to party, and that’s totally fine! But it also comes with a responsibility to look out for your people.
- If you notice someone about to make a reckless decision, step in and prevent it.
Respect personal boundaries.
If a bro tells you they’re uncomfortable with something—whether it’s talking about their family, mentioning that speeding ticket they got, or whatever—respect their wishes. People who are brave enough to express their boundaries deserve to be heard, so make sure to listen when a bro asks you to stop doing something they’re not okay with.
Follow the men’s room rules.
After centuries of indoor plumbing, men around the world have developed a very precise set of bathroom rules that must be respected. These include:
- If the bathroom is empty, avoid the middle urinals. Start at the corners and work your way in, skipping every other urinal.
- If there are only two urinals, opt for the stall if one is already occupied.
- Never pee on the seat. Always lift it before you go. If it’s dirty, use your shoe to raise it.
- Wash your hands—even if you’ve only peed. Don’t be that guy.
- No eye contact allowed. If you accidentally make eye contact, quickly nod your head downwards and look away.
- Never use the bathroom in groups. We’re not sure why, but it’s a fundamental rule in the girl code—our yin to their yang.
Honor everyone’s personal preferences and passions.
It doesn’t matter if your friend’s into football or ballet—never mock or belittle a friend for their interests or passions. Everyone has different things that drive them, and following your heart is always a good choice. Whether it’s food, hobbies, or activities, everyone has their own unique tastes, and everyone deserves respect.
- This doesn’t mean you can’t joke around or tease your homie, but always keep it friendly and never mean-spirited.
Lift up your friends.
Hand out compliments like you’re campaigning for office. Tell your bros you like their outfits, compliment new haircuts, and celebrate their wins at work or school. Making others feel good will make you feel good too, and showing love to your bros is one of the best ways to ensure everyone is supported.
- Don’t forget to like your friends’ social media posts! These small gestures mean a lot.
- A lot of guys struggle to give compliments to their male friends. By openly showing love, you’ll break down that barrier and make everyone feel better.
Don’t leave a bro behind.
When you head out with your crew, make sure no one gets left behind between stops. As bros, it's our duty to ensure everyone gets home safely. If you’re only watching out for yourself, you're missing out on one of the most important principles of the bro code.
Big up your bros when they’re crushing hard.
If your homie’s got a crush on someone and you happen to get some alone time with the object of their affection, talk them up like they’re the best person ever. Talk about how fun they are, casually mention their kindness, and throw in any other compliment that feels genuine.
- Never, under any circumstances, talk badly about your bro in front of their crush.
Handle your conflicts maturely.
A true bro keeps his cool and never lets emotions lead him to physical confrontations or over-the-top reactions. If you've got an issue with a friend, pull them aside for a calm and respectful conversation. Nothing good comes from bro-on-bro violence, so always aim for peaceful conflict resolution.
- If you’re upset, it’s totally fine to express your feelings. It’s healthy to work through issues with your friends. Don’t hesitate to address the problem, just do it thoughtfully and intelligently.
Honor your friends' confidences.
When someone shares something with you, it’s your responsibility to keep it private. A solid bro never spills someone else's secrets unless they've been explicitly told it's okay. Your ability to keep a secret is a true test of your friendship, so never break that trust when it comes to keeping secrets.
- If you can’t trust a friend to keep your secrets, they probably shouldn’t be part of your bro circle.
Keep your romantic escapades to yourself.
A real bro knows how to keep it classy when it comes to matters of the heart. If you hook up with someone you’ve been eyeing, don’t go around bragging about it. Show respect for your romantic partner, keep things low-key, and keep it under wraps when you’re getting close to someone else's chest.
Chime in for beer runs.
No one enjoys a freeloader. When you’re hanging out with your friends and someone heads out to the store, pitch in a few bucks. Even if you only have a drink or two when they return, it’s important to contribute to the cause.
- This rule extends to pizza, snacks, fast food, and anything else you all share.
Every beard is a good beard.
So your buddy decided to grow out his facial hair, and it’s looking a bit…rough. Don’t judge him on his journey. Not every guy can grow a full, thick beard overnight, but every man has the right to try without being ridiculed.
Give sincere advice when it’s requested.
Don’t go around giving unsolicited advice or criticism. While offering honest feedback is important, it should only be done when asked. For example, if your bro is rocking a linen suit that may not be hitting the mark but he’s really pumped about it, don’t ruin his vibe. But if he asks you, “Be honest, does this suit work for me?” then give him your real opinion.
Always refill the tank before returning the car.
If someone lends you their car, don’t return it with less fuel than it had when you borrowed it. Even if it costs a little more, top off the tank. Your friend will appreciate it, and it’s just fair to replace what you used.
- And remember to clean up after yourself. Never leave fast food wrappers or trash in someone else’s car.
Leave the place better than you found it after staying at your bro’s place.
If you go out with the crew and end up having too many drinks, you might end up crashing at a friend’s place. When you wake up (whether it's morning or afternoon depending on how hard you partied), clean up—fluff the cushions, fold the blankets, and throw away any empty cans before you leave.
- As a general rule, always aim to leave places cleaner than they were when you arrived. A clean bro is a solid bro.
Always reciprocate fist bumps and handshakes.
If you miss a fist bump or handshake, make sure to correct it immediately. The fist bump, handshake, and half-hug are foundational to male friendships and relationships. Failing to return these gestures could upset the balance of the universe. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but there could still be consequences. Just return the gesture when someone offers a hand.
Show your bros some love with a hug.
There’s still too much stigma around men showing affection toward one another. In fact, many men are lacking physical touch, leading to feelings of isolation. Let your bros know you care—give them a hug when you greet them or say goodbye, and don’t hesitate to tell them you love them.
- Don’t let anyone judge you for showing affection toward your friends. You’ve got no reason to feel embarrassed.
Be there to help your bros move.
Moving is never fun, especially when you’re on your own. So, always answer the call when a friend needs help with a move. It’s the perfect opportunity for some friendly competitions like “I can lift more than you.” Plus, it’s a great workout!
- If you’re the one asking for help, remember that the beer and pizza are the agreed-upon currency. If you’re not paying your friends in cash, you better supply the beer and pizza once the job is done.
Return the weights to their proper place after your workout.
Physical fitness is crucial for many bros, often meaning regular trips to the gym. But if you're following the bro code, that means you're expected to put your weights back where you found them when you’re done. Alright, it’s not exactly a legal obligation, but fellow bros will definitely judge you if you don’t. Clean up your mess.
- Bonus bro code rule: if your homie happens to pass out during a weightlifting session, add a few extra plates to the barbell before you go for help.
