Can men and women be just friends?
By Faye
@FayeHazel (40243)
United States
April 7, 2017 12:14pm CST
The question asked in the 1980s comedy movie "When Harry Met Sally" - is "can men and women be just friends?"
What do you think Mylot?
I think yes! I have a male friend who is only a friend. He is an outstanding person, and there is no reason we couldn't be a couple as we are both straight and single - however I think we both know that wouldn't work out.
While we have a lot of similar interests and get along well there is the fact that politically he feels different than I do - and religiously we differ greatly - him being a strict and devout Catholic (at one time considering the priesthood) and me - preferring to be Spiritual but non-religious. I think - while he hasn't directly said it - I think that he would prefer to have a large family if married. I would prefer to remain child-free. While we can appreciate our differences - I think we both know that these are too large of differences for a romantic relationship.
As a result, even though my friend is an attractive single male - I really feel no romantic attraction towards him.
That said it doesn't hurt in the least that he is a good friend whose company I enjoy.
25 people like this
28 responses
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
Ah, that happens too. I have one male friend right now... it's platonic... I had one, but I had feelings for him, so that ended.... just human nature
@allknowing (135983)
• India
8 Apr 17
If you mean a platonic relationship I do not think it exists.
1 person likes this
@musicman6 (2407)
• United States
20 Apr 17
I agree with Always Smiling, So far most of the responses have been by females, they favor a platonic relationship, I am a male, and I don't think a platonic relationship would exist ! To me it would be an abnormality !
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
You think no? I would be curious to know why... I just find opinions on this topic fascinating
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37350)
• Toccoa, Georgia
8 Apr 17
I had a guy friend in school and college who was a true friend. We both agreed we were just pals. We both never saw ourselves together. He was a great guy but I lost touch with him. I would love to reconnect but have not found him on Facebook. So, yes, men and women can be just friends.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
I hope you find your friend again...
1 person likes this
@optimisticbeauty (2170)
• India
8 Apr 17
Obviously a man and a woman can be friends. Sadly it's some people mentality that brings out such questions. When a man and a woman can be brother and sister then why is friendship existence between man and woman is in doubt?.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
I think that is the point of the question- Precluding being related - can men and women be friends. I tend to agree but it's one of those questions that has all sorts of answers
1 person likes this
@Mass_Sonu (1021)
• India
7 Apr 17
@FayeHazel Yes, a man and a woman can be just friends! Although I have only a few lady-friends, I can say this so. There can be common grounds of interest (profession, sense of humour etc) without any romantic attraction involved!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
It's nice to know - I too think so and have a male "just friend". It is nice to know other view points. Enjoy your friends. :-)
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
8 Apr 17
Yes, there are some personalities that would never work in a relationship. For instance my friend Sabrina and my husband-they love each other as friends but they would KILL each other in a relationship! Lol. Their both independent and strong willed-both set in their own ways and both want to be dominant. It would never work but in a friendship they get along great!
1 person likes this
@musicman6 (2407)
• United States
20 Apr 17
Now this Faye, I could see happening ! I know some people that are like this and have gotten along ! There are a lot of different personalities out there !
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
Oh that's so cool, - sometimes I find that people if they're too alike either really enjoy each other, or really dislike each other.... happy that your friend and husband are in the "get along" catagory
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
You have a good point there too. As we age we gain experience which often is a good instructor, so views may change
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
8 Apr 17
i watched that movie. yes, i believe so that men and ladies can be friends forever without love or deep emotions involved
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
10 Apr 17
@FayeHazel even best friends, with no lust involved. it is truly possible. i have many boy friends, and we jive together well
@Bodyandbrain (13797)
• Gurgaon, India
8 Apr 17
Yes of course men and women can be just friends, I have few friends who are men and I think it helps me to understand the things in wider range.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
It is nice to have the view of the other gender, isn't it?
1 person likes this
@Bodyandbrain (13797)
• Gurgaon, India
9 Apr 17
@FayeHazel yes exactly, it always helps we know there point of view too.
1 person likes this
@ShifaLk (17817)
• India
9 Apr 17
@FayeHazel But now I am thinking that what if my husband has a girl best friend too. O my GOD.! I can't even imagine 
@Kylie07 (83)
•
8 Apr 17
Yes I can confidently say that! My best friend is a guy!!! We've been friends for 9 years already now and when I say best friend it means best friend and nothing more than that! I do love hm but as a friend only. We care about each other, we re very close, we share a lot of things! I'm even his confident but it does not go beyond that! We have our love and personal life separately!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
I am happy - it sounds like a great friendship
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
I love hearing about platonic friendships that are successful :-)
@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
9 Apr 17
I have a couple friends like that.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
It is fun to have the opinions of the opposite gender.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
I think you're right, as usual honesty is the best policy
@Janice2017 (220)
•
8 Apr 17
I think it depends.It depends on time and whether u or him have a companion.The platonic relationshiip exsit at a given time actually in my opinion.That is to say,u gonna be close friends but not in a relationship for sometime. As u or him have a partner, u two still be good friends,but not as close as before.Actually, I am admired that u have such a male friend who shared so many with u.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
Thanks for your input. I am flattered to have him as a friend. I think you're right, providing the partner that either of us should get is alright with it - a friendship can survive when one of the parties dates.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
Hi! Thanks for the comment - I'm afraid I don't understand the question....
"Can Men and Women be just friends" is asked over and over again in a movie called "When Harry Met Sally" - a romantic comedy movie.
I was inspired by it and decided to write about the topic.
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
9 Apr 17
My response is at the very bottom of the article. Anyway! Incase you missed it - I think yes - because I have a male friend. I think you're right though, it does pose more of a challenge than other relationships
