Can men and women be just friends?

[Anonymous]

[MrOracle]

Is it POSSIBLE? Yes. But it's also POSSIBLE to win a Lotto jackpot.

The far more IMPORTANT thing is that it's INCREDIBLY UNLIKELY to be able to be "just friends."

This isn't because women can't be platonic friends - the vast majority of women can. But the vast majority of men cannot be platonic friends with an attractive woman (and they tend not to be interested in being friends with women they don't find attractive). Whether you like or agree with that is irrelevant - the only thing that matters is that it's true. Are there exceptions? Sure, but we're talking a single-digit percentage of men.

This doesn't mean you can't be acquaintances or colleagues, but FRIENDS means you hang out together by yourselves on a regular basis by choice - and the vast majority of your guy friends who are hanging out with you alone want to bang you, and would do so given the chance. Don't believe me? Offer them sex, and see if they refuse you because they don't' want to lose you as a friend. Whatever percentage you think of your guy friends would accept the offer of sex is, your number is too low, because all or nearly all of them want to bang you. That's just the way it is.

[PapaScott2020]

True words, most of my female friends are married. So off limits. tried with a married friend and that went sideways, but I definitely agree with you

[CalogeroValledolmo]

You can't be friends with someone you'd like to have sex with? I'm bisexual; I want to have sex with *all* of my friends.

Sometimes I have sex with them, of course. It has only improved any friendship, rather than compromising it. Sometimes I fall in love, naturally, but there's also nothing anywhere that says you can't be in love with friends. I have friends I've been in love with for years. It's a source of great pleasure. They know, of course, it wouldn't be much of a friendship if we weren't that transparent. Not to say there's no romantic potential; if our relationships were more than just sexually open, who knows. Life is full of infinite paths through time; we might also become soldiers of fortune in The Gambia.

But there's friends I have who just aren't particularly bohémien. I know several women that I regularly hang out with alone, who I've known and cherished for years. Sure, I'd have sex with them if they asked. It would be an epistemological cruelty if I didn't; most men are terrible at fucking. Also, they're my friends, I know their mind intimately now, there's nothing hotter than mutual, extensive, interpersonal knowledge. I'd be kicking my leg involuntarily in anticipation. Since they're not like that, however, I don't think about it.

What the fuck all does that have to do with my being their friend? I mean, how dare you, do you have any idea how kind women are conditioned to be and what a vast tapestry of hopes and thoughts and secrets and stories they'll freely share with you if you listen respectfully? Do you have any idea how much trouble they go to for everything? Yes, even you, there's some several women who have gone out of their way to be considerate of you. You didn't return the favor or get to know them or do anything but thank them politely. That's sufficient, sure, but what about the supererogatory? Women do the supererogatory pretty much every day of their lives. If any women are coming to mind, call them, and do something nice.

[MrOracle]

@CalogeroValledolmo You might be the kind of person who can get sex whenever you want - playing for both teams certainly increases those odds. But if that's true, then you're an exception to the rule. The vast majority of straight men cannot get sex whenever they want when they are single, and as a result, sex to them is much like food is to a starving person: their top priority. And THAT is why the majority of men cannot be "just friends" with a woman they find attractive.

There are always exceptions to any generalization - asexual men, men with super low libidos, gay men, really good-looking men who bang 3 or more women a week, etc. All of those are edge cases. I'm talking about all the men in the middle of the curve, which is the overwhelming majority of men.

[Adonis7]

Can the opposite sex be friends?

Can heterosexual men and women be friends?

Yes. Only Media, and pressure of horny people who have a sexual agenda teach that men and women can't be friends cuz they'll eventually have sex. They are all sex addicts.

However there are exceptions. If one or both of them are sexually attracted to one another it will be difficult for them to be friends because it is inevitable that they will eventually sleep with each other. Or one will try to make a move while the other one will reject that person and they will never be able to see each other the same again. Especially one or both having an addiction to sex and even sex and love.

But regardless of gender, great people can meet each other, and like each other's company independent from sexual interests. And they can grow from each other's ideas and share each other's thoughts. Maybe they have the same goals, or maybe they are so different and that's what attracts them, that is the power of individuality. The variety is beautiful when it's built with unity. And common ground is also beautiful when they have the same goal and they have a friend to share their dreams and goals with and are also on the same page. Either way, people become friends to gain from each other's company.

Be careful who you hear advice from. In the professional world, you see people of the opposite sex get along and work together. And not trying to hook up after work. Why? Because they are focused on their purpose. Of course not saying it never happens. But people all around the world have demonstrated that yes they can in fact be friends with the opposite sex. It's about the person, not the gender or generals.

[Anonymous]

I guess so. Depends if both man and woman have the same boundaries and intentions (no relationship, no intimacy, no feelings, strictly platonic, etc)
I have a guy friend, he’s lives in a different country though, we are strictly platonic and have no feelings for each other and we are not romantically or sexually attracted to each other. He is a great friend and we are there for each other through everything. He is literally the brother I never had lol.

[mobiusforniner]

How do you know whether or not he has feelings. So you assume he doesn't?

[Opinion Owner]

Communication. We are very open about our feelings towards each other - Meaning, we both talk about how we have no interest in each other because we both have partners. He’s engaged to his fiancé, I’m in a relationship, and we don’t live in the same country. I’m also best friends with his fiancé, and he’s friends with my boyfriend. We wouldn’t be in serious relationships if we had feelings or he had an interest in me.

[IveGotNoName]

Well yes, but not in the same way as women can with women and men can with men. I do have guy friends, but I don't hang out with them alone, and not because I am attracted to them at all. It just seems weird in some way, I don't know how to explain it.

[jennifer_bloom]

I’m not attracted to most of the single guys I know so I vote, yes they can.

[ChrisMaster69]

Yes of course they can.

im friends with my neighbour, she really nice woman but we are just friends.

equally I have a bunch of girl friends I’m just friends with, saying that 1 is a lesbian, so how does that work, what stops us being friends, oh and seen her naked and never felt like I wanted her.

can a gay guy just be friends with his straight mates?

As an 18 yr old can you be friends with a boy who is 16 or 60.

can you be friends with a friends wife, mum, sister

Can you just be friends your boss, coworker etc

Blatantly yes you can.

it’s scary if someone does not think they can just be friends with their best mates mum, sister, wife, daughter etc, definitely the type you don’t want as a friend.

[all_hayl]

I was able to guess your age without looking. Your question seems to demand an absolute yes/no. Maybe it’s not that simple.

This is one of the questions that has appeared on here too many times. If I was paid a nickel each time, i could retire 10 years ago before this site even existed.

Everyone has an opinion. Everyone has had that one friend whom they became interested in and so they’re convinced that staying friends is just not possible.

I have plenty of female friends whom I’ve known for years. I was never interested in them, nor they in me. Many have gone on to marry other guys. Guess what. We’re still friends.

In other words, the short answer is yes, they can. Will they? That depends on many things

[Heartache0405]

Not when they’re in a relationship that is meant to be monogamous. At least not with me. But I don’t do relationships and this is one of the topics involved in why. I get way too jealous and I tend to always be correct when they end up cheating and I find out. I’ve been correct in 3 of my 4 relationships where they’ve cheated on me with the person they told me not to worry about. I also know that not allowing them to have friends of the opposite sex is controlling and wrong which is why I don’t have relationships anymore.

[TheSpaceGnome]

Been there, still doing that.

I'm straight, single, and have female friends.

Some I find physically attractive, some I don't, none I'm interested in being with sexually.

I don't want casual sex, or kids, or stds, or a girlfriend/wife thats not mentally similar to me and also pretty, and single, and has no kids, and shares my hobbies and interests.

So basically pickiness makes it easier to "just be friends" in most cases.

A woman would need to be very special for me to be interested in her beyond friendship.

[TwinkleLily5]

From my experience, No the whole time he really wanted to get with me (I didn’t realize it) he finally started pressing me for dates & sex after we had gotten really close during the 7 years (friend zoned him unintentionally) he gave me an ultimatum either be with him or our friendship was done. We are no longer friends or talk and we encounter each other almost daily.

[Twalli]

Yes, at least on one side. I can be friends with girls where there is 0 sexual attraction. Girls can be friends with me with 0 sexual attraction. The problem is that you might have 0 sexual attraction to someone who doesn't and vice versa. Luckily the female friends I am closest to are closer or as close to my girlfriend and they won't want to damage her relationship. I only found one hot enough to date, but she's in a relationship as am I, so probably nothing will come of it. I don't think I am going to break up with my current girlfriend ever.

[TwinkleLily5]

@Twalli But do you consider those females as actual friends or just associates there’s a big difference.

[Twalli]

@TwinkleLily5 currently associates because outside of my family and medical staff the only person I have had physical contact with since March 2020 is my girlfriend. Yet they were friends and probably will be again

[TwinkleLily5]

@Twalli that makes sense I guess you’re right as long as neither friend is attracted to the other—it can be a real friendship.

[Twalli]

@TwinkleLily5 There's also the case of being attracted to someone, not asking them out, and then they are asked out and you become friends. That happened to me in college, the girl was also attracted to me and actually expected me to ask her out. I didn't, because they week I was going to I was in a coma 3 hours south of where she was (at the college we both attended). We became friends because we liked each other (beyond sexually) and her boyfriend was never in the dining hall at the same time she was (and since our classes ended at the same time, we were).

[Cherry234]

Yes ofc. I have friends of the opposite gender (some on here and one irl too).

[hahahmm]

In theory. But there's so manny cheaters and wannabe cheaters that telling your boyfriend that you're "just friends" with other dudes & you need to meet with them alone for "platonic" reasons isn't going to help you build trust with your boyfriend.

[Funkychickenballbag]

Absolutely. In fact I have more female friends than male friends. I’m a straight male but I just prefer hanging out with the female specimen. I wouldn’t mind being in a room with 20 females and I being the only male. In fact this is most likely why I’ve never been in a serious relationship. Too many sexy females hard to pick one. I consider myself to be an OG player.

[Pummel]

Absolutely. But if you are in a relationship and you meet a new friend of the opposite sex than you must tell your partner, this will go a long way...
It will show your significant other that you are not hiding anything and it help you too by keeping the new friendship where it belongs

[mobiusforniner]

No. Some of you maybe more social and having opposite sex acquaintances is normal. But if you're talking truly close friends, someone you depend on emotionally, someone you confide or seek support and comfort, then no. Because this level of friendship requires trust, sacrifice and commitment which are basic fundamentals of love. And love between a man and woman, well, that answers itself, doesn't it?

[TheLittleInnocent]

There's also such a thing as platonic love. By you're logic I might as well as be in love with Dad and brothers.

[humpbackjack]

Of course they can but usually there’s a little bit of sex or at least some flirting involved I’ve had a handful of friends that were girls and we flirted a little but just playing around but when I was younger I had a lot of girls I messed with and considered them friends some of them we only messed around once or twice and then were just friends no sex so I’d say it’s rare but yes it can happen

[Seangreen]

Yes but it's rare I do have female friends that are that are friends but it over the course of my life a lot of my female friends I wanted to sleep with not that I was like super in love or having a big crush on them but if I had the chance I'd hit it

[cutiepatootie26]

If the guy is not attracted to you it can work. If the guy is attracted to you, there is no possible way it can work.

[Anonymous]

Yes me and women can be just friends as long as y’all don’t date , most of my friends where guys I never liked any of them because they where simple friends I did later on catch feelings for one of my best guy friends but it went no where but we are still friends

[Anonymous]

I say no and I’m a girl. Normally people say it’s the guy. Like I’m an attractive woman and most guys I’ve been friends with like to point that out or make sexual comments. I however have never been able to distinguish whether a guy is being friendly or flirty. And I have developed feelings for (more than once and gotten hurt) guys who did not have them back.

[Keyboardkat]

I think that would be difficult for most men, at least, because you have to completely de-sexualize the other person in your own mind, and if the other person is attractive and magnetic, that can be really tough to do.

[DonkeyDan]

Yes, I have several female friends that I have absolutely no interest in other than friendship, and as far as I'm aware they feel the same.

[TheorionMage]

OF COURSE, I'm 'friends' and even a trusted confidante
to several women for whom I feel no sexual interest.
I get to be their CANDID male 'sounding board' for those
"WHY would a guy do... or say?"

[LikeALog]

Yes. I have a female friend I met at an outdoor competitive cook-off many years ago. We've been competing as a team long before I met my SO. We still do. My SO doesn't like cooking outside in the summer so she's a spectator.

[randomperson222]

Yes!!!


My best friend is a guy. He is like a brother to me but everyone at work always makes comments saying they think we are together or that we are sexually confused (we are not!!!). Some of my best friends were guys but like I said just friends.

[sheikalana]

Of course they can. I have many male friends some are gay, others are straight, others have girlfriends.

[AdithyaR]

I'm honestly tired of this question. Yes it is possible to be friends with a woman without being attracted to them, irrespective of their looks.

[Cleo12345]

Yes they can but from what I’ve experienced usually one of the pair like the other a bit more than a friend

[rebeliouse]

@Cleo12345
u ever had a friend with benefits?

[FlutteringFeelings]

It’s possible. However, if the two are attracted to one another and they’re spending a lot of time together then feelings slowly develop.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely!


Most of my friends are females. I get along WAY better with women then I with other guys. I have a few guy friends, but most of my circle is females. And technically I’m not straight, so I don’t know if you would apply that to this question or not, but yuh

[Datboi65]

Nope. 9 times out of 10 the guy wants to sleep with the girl. Always best to keep things professional with the opposite gender.

[Robertfootball]

Maybe they can, but they shouldn’t. I will never be friends with a woman ever again. Been burned twice by that crap. Never again!

[KEC203]

Same

[CallmeTheKnight]

Of course. Completely platonic friendship with the opposite sex is very possible.

It's not a true friendship if someone wants to date or sleep with the other person, they know.

[HazyDaze63]

Yes it is very possible. I have friends of the opposite sex.

[Dontaaaa]

I was gonna ask this a few days ago, but had the unshakable feeling that if I asked I would've had too many people wanting to be smart-asses about it.

[Browneye57]

No. One or the other will always want more. This is settled science - just google it.
There's a reason they're attracted in the first place. Guys want to do you. PERIOD. That's how they connect.

[FTnWo]

Yes... and every once in a while I'll look at her just right and I'll be like damn I have a hot ass friend and I wonder what she tastes like?

[Starwitch23]

No, most of the time there is sexual tension. I don't have male friends because I always feel they hit on me.

[yknow156]

Sure. One of my best friends of 7 years is my ex girlfriend.

[Still-alive]

as long as no one is attracted to each other yes it can work

[ironmidget]

In all honesty yes but how likely is it that there isn't some kind of attraction. 9 times out of 10, men don't make friends with a woman unless there is an attraction or thinks he might get some.

[OddBeMe]

Yes. Moreover, sexual attraction or even sexual tension can be present in a friendship. As long as everyone is mature enough, shouldn’t have a problem.

[AviatorTom]

Yes, but the guy will always wonder what she's like in bed. See the movie When Harry Met Sally.

[Eric98]

It's 40% possible but the rest 60 is impossible one would definitely fall for the other *You can't possibly have a turkey for Thanksgiving and say wouldn't try to eat it or have a taste of it one day*

[FilmGuy93]

I've never seen it work in my own life, but I'm sure there are people who can make it work.

[CUMONiWANNALAYYA]

In reality, friends are just people you haven't f'd yet. 😂😜

[Wester1967]

From maybe age 10 to 16. After that, you're just asking for trouble. #DeathToTheFriendZone

[MysticDevice]

Its rare but it is possible. I'm proving that right now as my best friend is a woman.

[Noddy619]

Unless the woman is really unattractive... low chance.

[exitseven]

I had many female friends when I was younger. It just worked out that way,

[genericname85]

yeah, given there's no sexual attraction involved from either side.

[Aiko_E_Lara]

Yes it's possible because not every girls are a guy's type. Which is why there are a lot of relationships that don't even work

[MJtheCoach]

Everybody is your type

[Aiko_E_Lara]

And who are you to be making assumptions? Or you can just speak for yourself

[MJtheCoach]

I saw your photo. You look like a virgin hahah

[Aiko_E_Lara]

You that ignorant that looks can be deceiving. You don't even look good if you ask me

[MJtheCoach]

I see you’re a p##sy too! I know hard to admit huh? That’s what beta Virgins do.

[Aiko_E_Lara]

And you're also a pussy to admit that you're just ignorant. That is what insecure beta males do

[MJtheCoach]

The more you talk the more you prove my point right you just took what I said repeat it back to me that’s what I said you don’t have any life experiences you’re a virgin. Now you I see you don’t have your own thought too. Haha you’re a true winner.

[Aiko_E_Lara]

When you're also being a big mouth from the start. So you only came here only to start being a blabbermouth. So that would prove the irony and what you are talking about. And kind of prove that you don't like your logic being backfired

[MJtheCoach]

Hurt your feelings there? Sissy.

[Aiko_E_Lara]

@MJtheCoach When you come here being hurt in the first place. You're hurt by the fact that it's possible to be friends with the opposite gender. Your insecurity and sisiness is showing.

[MJtheCoach]

You’re too stupid to have a debate with

[Aiko_E_Lara]

@MJtheCoach You're too stupid you can't even debate at all but just whine.

[Anonymous]

I've heard that it's impossible. But I believe it also depends how attractive one of them is

[pup4life]

I think so as long as both parties are on the same page

[AydenHazor]

Absolutely! As long as both are in it for the friendship. Most of my best friends are women.

[Paul09]

Yes. Mature adults can be friends. Whoever says other wise is silly.

[Cherry234]

@Paul09 I agree. There are so many ignorant people who say they can't.

[Paul09]

@Cherry234 Like are these men attracted d sexualy to every single woman on the planet lol

[Cherry234]

@Paul09 Who knows? Probably. There are a lot of horny men on this planet.

[Paul09]

@Cherry234 I mean I'm horny. But I have self control. And I don't want to fuk everyone I see lol.

[Cherry234]

@Paul09 That's good. Self-control is important.

[boobliker]

I would like to think so, But never do any sexual as it cross the line and you can't get back!

[Mary_M]

I'm my opinion I think it's possible as long as the girl or guy has a romantic interest elsewhere. Once both are single and if they're close like best friends then it becomes a lot harder very fast

[yoimbored]

they definitely can be! I have had a couple of guy friends that I was never attracted to. However, most of the time, I do tend to like my guy friends overtime so it’s hard.

[TheFlak38]

no it's impossible. And gag in itself is proof to that. We get this question literally every week.

[joeldalton]

ONLY if neither person finds the other remotely sexually attractive.

[Rivy03]

Of course they can! I myself have several guys as just friends!

[Dchrls78104]

Maybe, but not many want it. I wouldn't want to be the male best friend of a married woman.