Can men and women really be friends?

I saw this question circling social media. What do we think- can men and women, whether they’re single or married, have good friendships without issues? This may not be related to anxiety and depression but a situation like this could certainly be a trigger.

[Hb2003]

I think that they can have good friendships but it depends if they are allowed to

[Hidden in reply to Hb2003]

When you say allowed to, do you think that’s a trust issue in the relationship they’re in?

[Hb2003 in reply to Hidden]

I think so or maybe because of religious reasons too .

[leaningonjesus]

Yes. 100% yesI have always had mostly male friends my whole life. I always got along better with guys- and all of them were never any more than a close great friendship. Most we ever did was hug- as friends. As I would any other female friend.

So yes, its possible and does happen🙂

[Hidden in reply to leaningonjesus]

I agree. I’ve had one particular male friend for 30 years. We just go to movies, eat out, get coffee. Just like any other friends would.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

(very very very very very very very happy for u )))))

[hypercat54]

I think it's easier if one is gay.

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

I wish I was a lot of the time 😅 but yes, I’ve had some awesome friends in the LGBT+ community

[Celtic27]

Why not as long as there's a understanding that it's purely plotonic and freindship I think the most problems start when either person feels they are not getting enough attention rightly or wrongly!

[Missy84]

Of course they can. I have two male best friends of nearly 30 years.

[Tara52]

I have a very good male friend that I met at an anxiety support group in 2003. He is very supportive but we really don't hang out much socially. We talk on the phone & text regularly though. He has a full time job, 5 dogs and a sick wife so he is very busy. I am retired.

[Hidden]

Of course they can. I have had friendships with both men and women. I did have a friend who was female, many years ago, who was clear she didn't want a relationship but I valued her friendship so chose to respect her decision and we remained friends.

[AnxiousCanadianChic]

I guess it depends. I have always had a lot of male friends and quite a few did develop feelings and one I started out friends with him and we hung out everyday (both single) and we both just fell in love.

The other male friends who had feelings, are no longer friends of mine. They either couldn’t handle still hanging out while having feelings or they felt embarrassed that I didn’t also have feelings and they just disappeared.

I do however have male friends and I know a few for sure don’t have any romantic feelings (neither do I) and it’s good. I will say though that my male friends I know don’t like me that way, I don’t spend a lot of time with and it’s always a group setting (we go out to karaoke).

[Midori]

Yes, it is certainly possible, but modern times and social media can be toxic to a male/female friendship, I have found. Many folk like to gossip, nastily in many cases, which can ruin an otherwise good friendship.

It really depends of you and your friend are mentally strong enough to laugh at the gossips, and carry on with your friendship regardless. It's nobody else's business but yours.

Cheers, Midori

[Roxylox]

I have always liked the company of men conversation-wise. Perhaps it's because I used to hang out with my male cousin and his friend in my late teens and early 20's when my local female friends moved away.Lately though, l find myself being gossiped about if I as much as exchange a sentence with a male. My husband is not a jealous type and he gets on well with women too.

I don't see any reason why opposite sexes shouldn't be friends.

[Hidden]

people should be freinds first for a hundred reasons...plus if one gets serious.....living together is a daily routine....u live together 365 facing problems and situations for years.....u had better like each other big time .....big compatablitiy not some superficial attraction.......all the more reasons to go slow and really compare notes on many many issues that will come up........finances, religion all kinds of things and values............love and friendship is just the start..........so yes friends big time first........that's my experience and point of view........better like each other hard.......as well as love.......to get through all the challenges as well as rewards...........freindshsip and companionship is one of the big rewards in life.......knowing you coming home to that person...........to renew and recharge......

[endofheartache1290]

Yes it's possible. It just comes down to the people and what they want. Of course things can change that affect how we feel and act but it's entirely possible for men and women to solely remain friends. It takes communication and establishing that is what the relationship will be. I think the issue comes in when one person likes the other person but doesn't admit it. Then you have the whole friend zone issue but really it's a lack of clear communication. If it was stated from the onset the issues I think would get sorted out. I myself have female friends who are in relationships and everything is fine. I see no reasons why it couldn't be possible for others.