the word 'guys' referring to girls

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Whenever I need to address a group of people, I always, always use the word 'guys' because thats the word I used growing up when addressing my friends, eg.'you guys come look at this',etc. However, as I've matured, there is less all-male groups now that I am in university(was a problem in high school), so referring to a group of people in a random situation as 'guys' just sounds awkward because there is always a lot of girls around. Even when I have to get the attention of an all female group of people (well...rarely a group, usually 2-3 girls), I use the word 'guys'. I do this out of habit and also because I dislike all the alternatives, eg.'people','girls',women', which just sounds extremely awkward for some reason when i say them. Do girls mind being called 'guys', is it common or I am just the only rude person who says it? I have no idea if anyone sees this problem, maybe its just that I haven't found a suitable word for the situation because of my horrible social/language skills. Anyone else feel like this too?

anyone who takes issue at being referred to in the plural as "guys" is way too uptight for her own good.

Nothing wrong with that. And English isn't the only language that does this.

You can say 'you all' or 'all of you.'
Not sure if that sounds any less awkward for you.

I use "guys" for both. But strangely enough, I usually only call males "b***h".

I've always said "guys" too. Once at a girl scout event, this was prohibited and we all thought it was ridiculous and annoying to say "you girls".

I use "folks". I hate being called a guy.

I don't mind at all being referred to as "you guys" if someone is addressing a group. If someone specifically calls me a guy though, I wouldn't ne offended, more confused and wonder if I look like a guy...

I tend to use "guys", there's not really a decent word to use for mixed groups.

I generally will say "hey everyone" if I am going to say anything. But I cannot see calling a group of mixed people "guys", I have seen that done on countless occassions with no offense taken by anyone.

Its acceptable i use that term guys with both gender. I think its just a quick way of getting peoples attention without having to resort to:
hey sarah
Hey matthew
hey sky
hey bernadette
etc

althrough i think it can be used in the wrong way as with any word. Thers the half empty or half full kind of conotation.
For example when introducing your friends to your parents

Mum: who are they?
Me: The guys
Friends: we have names you know
Me: I know i was just to lazy to same them all

know what i mean?

It is my instinct to use "guys"...but I am used to too many reactionary types getting offended...so I try to say "folks" instead...Usually I will slip up, start out by saying 'guys'..detect some sort of incensedness...(whether accurate or perceived)....
and switch over to 'folks'...am often dealing with lots of mixed-gender bands....some are more sensitive than others..

"Guys" is fine. If some girl gets offended by this, you have found a troubled person.

Girls can be guys, too.