We all have them, we all want them - but we hate being called one. Especially when it rolls off the lips of the girl you're trying to bang. (Classy eh?)

We've all had that awkward moment, it's either, 'We can still be friends' - which as we know is bullshit. We also have the, 'I like you but only as a friend.' Which is also pretty much bullshit.

There's a 3rd, often overlooked use of the word 'friend' and that's when she's telling you a story, say about her day, and instead of mentioning a guy's name, she'll say 'a friend.' As if you're stupid enough.

For example:

A Guy Says: Hey honey, how was your day?

The Girl Replies: Good. I had a meeting and then a friend came by and we went out to lunch.

Ladies please - if you are trying to hide something from us, it's better off to make up a girl's name rather than say, 'a friend.' If you're trying to avoid conflict, 'a friend' won't work. If you're trying to spare our feelings, you've failed.

Just come out and say, 'I went out with this guy, Bob from accounting.'

'This guy, Bob from accounting,' is far less threatening and much less obvious than saying, 'a friend.'

Saying, 'a friend' triggers some Pavlovian response. We immediately perk up and listen - oh wait a minute.. you clever little girls you.. that's how you do it!!! Damn you to hell!!!