As we all wait with bated breath for the man skirt trend to hit, Gossip Girl stars Chace Crawford and Ed Westwick are working towards the ultimate “feminizing” of the common 20-something male. These inducers of prepubescent girls’ wet dreams have been spotted “enjoying time together” at a number of events, including a Tings Tings concert and a Hamptons night club soiree. Crawford and Westwick are victims of the growing cultural phenomenon, snowballing into popularity, called bromance. Sharing some congruity with romance, the bromance, which has not officially been described by our officious friends at Oxford or Merriam-Webster, is described by the Urban Dictionary as an uncharacteristically close relationship between two straight males.

In the bromance paradigm, sexuality is not even an issue, it’s classified by man-giggling at your bro’s jokes, expertly pontificating about insignificant subjects, spending so much time in your bro’s presence that you’ve forgotten your attraction to women, and ultimately developing a "crush" on your best male friend. Never fear, false adoration happens to the best of us. Unfortunately, er, Crawford and Westwick cannot be saved because they are too far gone, they live, work, and play (?!?!) together. Before you swipe the card on a pseudo-kilt, here’s some tips on identifying the signs of a bromance.

The “Hang Out” Routine

Males inherently make time for their male friends; it’s just something they do. Guys night out was even a staple with Jesus (tell me that the story of Jesus and his disciples is not just a long description of male homo-social tendencies?). As for bromance candidates, it’s less hanging out, and more intimacy. If you find yourself clearing your calendar to hang out with the “man” in your life, it’s time to revamp the schedule.

Man In, Women Out

You and your girlfriend (or crush) used to do stuff together, then it dawns on you – where is that girl? In the second it took for that thought to cross your mind, you think, oh, well I’ll just call Pete.

(Pump the brakes)

If you notice the women in your life have fallen out of your sight, then it’s quite possible you are suffering from bromance-mania. Calm down, regroup, and phone a female.

Those That Groom Together, Swoon Together

Discussing your look is one thing, but taking tips from each other and partaking in male grooming at the same time…is pushing it. For example, a group waxing scene a lá Forty-Year-Old Virgin, just unacceptable – good for comedy, bad for perception.

No, he cannot help you put pomade in your hair for that piece-y look.

No, he should not help you remove body hair.

No, he may not come into the dressing room with you to survey the tightness of the shirt you picked up at American Eagle.

Save yourself the awkward stares.

We all the agree male bonding and friendship is necessary. Men need each other in a sense, but then there’s crossing that fine line of attending Super Saturday in the Hamptons to gush over Alexander McQueen skull scarves (just a little on the sketch side).