Benefits of a male BFF

Benefits of having a male friend

Built-in date

Having a male BFF means that, depending on his schedule, you always have a date for weddings or other events that are more fun with a date. It saves you from having to go alone and deal with questions from your grandmother about why you haven't settled down and found a nice young man yet. Potentially boring or awkward events are a lot easier to deal with when you have company.

Instant male perspective

If you're dating someone and he says or does something you're not sure about or don't understand, you can ask you guy friends for advice and clarification. This not only saves you time, but also eliminates much of the stress involved in trying to decipher guy-speak. He may not have all the answers, but your guy pal should be able to offer enough of an explanation to help you decode the rest.

Free labor

Need something fixed, lifted or installed? Usually at least one of your guy friends will be able to help you with tasks such as heavy lifting, assessing strange sounds emanating from your car or explaining the intricacies of small appliance repair. If you're comfortable with tools and know your way around a hardware store, keep up the great work -- but if not, having a handy guy friend to call when things break, leak or stop working can be a lifesaver.

If you turn that friendship into romance

They say that being friends first is often the cornerstone of a happy romantic relationship. If this is the direction you decide that you ever want to take that friendship, enjoy these tips on turning that frienship with your male BFF into something more.

• How to turn your guy friend into a boyfriend
• Friends with benefits: Taking the next step
• 4 Qualities men want in a girlfriend

More friendship advice

5 Rules for investing in your friendships
5 Steps to a healthy social life
5 Reasons girlfriends are important