Do women really understand the difference between being “friendly” vs being “friends”?

Anonymous

In general I notice women tend to casually throw “oh he’s my friend” or “we’re friends” more quickly and easily then men do in similar social interactions. Guys usually are much more careful on who we become real friends with vs. just being friendly. There is a difference.

The acid test is this. Could you give the keys to your house and trust this person to go into your room when you’re away? I could trust a friend but not someone I’m just “friendly” with. Also how far would you go out of your way to help this person.

You can be “friendly” with the following types of people but real friends:

- an ex boyfriend/girlfriend.
- a neighbor (in most circumstances)
- an authority figure
- someone who’s attracted to you but you don’t feel the same about them (or vice versa)
- an acquaintance you just met.

Why is that women particularly young women are so quick to throw out “we’re friends” label when they have not yet built up real trust and/or loyalty to the other person? When men hear another man say this it’s confirmation some real trust/respect is established between each other. But women will throw this out without really being at that point yet.

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Just for the record this is not all about the “friéndzone” but that is a major part of it (another deep topic on it own). But this also goes for truly platonic situations at work or school. Guys aren’t as fast to throw out the “friend” label to other men or women.
Do women really understand the difference between being “friendly” vs being “friends”?
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