In The Kissing Booth 2, Joel Courtney plays the kind of BGF every girl dreams of. In real life, he's just as awesome as his character, Lee Flynn—and equally great at giving advice on all things related to life and love. Need proof? Just keep reading.

How do you and co-star Joey King compare to Lee and Elle?

One of the best things about our on-screen relationship is how similar and exact it is to our off-screen friendship. I think the fans are going to absolutely love the sequel—it's just more of Joey and me being goofy and funny and side-stitching together

What's the biggest relationship lesson you've learned?

Communicate openly and kindly, and be willing to listen. There are a lot of things that are just awkward to talk about, but if you can get past the uncomfortable factor of it. there's just a conversation. Then you don't have to hide it from the other person, which causes insecurities on both sides—it feels like there's lying going on, which is the end of all relationships.

What was your first impression of Joey?

The first time I really actually met Joey, we were getting our visas from the consulate so that we could go to South Africa to film. And she was so sick. She was losing her voice, she felt miserable—and she was still like the happiest and most joyful person. I was like, "This girl has a really cool, selfless nature about her."

What's the one thing about Jowy that would surprise people?

She's deeper than people think. I mean, yes, she's one of the funniest, most caring, sweet, kind people I've ever met. But she is, like, deep.

Catch The Kissing Booth 2—out now on Netflix!