Friends Of The Opposite Sex

[mrs_overall]

I have several very good friends of the opposite sex (all married) and that is all we are - friends.
A comment on another post made me realise that not all women would be happy for their husbands to have a female friend.
Your thoughts?

[andy-hughes]

It does depend on the marriage.

Some women are perfectly trusting of their husbands, and vice versa - a female friend of mine regularly went on camping and caravanning holidays with her male best friend and her busband's blessing.

Some men however, are not immune to the intimacy of a platonic frienship, and can see signs that are not there, because they wish they were. This can lead to complications, and it is usually the man who makes a move, and spoils the friendship - it's a bell you cannot un-ring.

That said, plenty of people enjoy close platonic relationships with members of the opposite sex - it does come todn to the individuals involved.

[ummmm]

Both me and my partner have friends of the opposite sex. It's never been an issue.

[mrs_overall]

I cannot see the problem unless the spouse is exceptionally insecure.
Mr O plays badminton with a group of females each week and I have no problem with it, and similarly, he knows that Sunday night is my night out with the lads in my quiz team

[ChillDoubt]

This, from When Harry Met Sally is rather apt:

Harry Burns: You realize of course that we could never be friends.
Sally Albright: Why not?
Harry Burns: What I'm saying is - and this is not a come-on in any way, shape or form - is that men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets in the way.
Sally Albright: That's not true. I have a number of men friends and there is no sex involved.
Harry Burns: No you don't.
Sally Albright: Yes I do.
Harry Burns: No you don't.
Sally Albright: Yes I do.
Harry Burns: You only think you do.
Sally Albright: You say I'm having sex with these men without my knowledge?
Harry Burns: No, what I'm saying is they all WANT to have sex with you.
Sally Albright: They do not.
Harry Burns: Do too.
Sally Albright: They do not.
Harry Burns: Do too.
Sally Albright: How do you know?
Harry Burns: Because no man can be friends with a woman that he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her.
Sally Albright: So, you're saying that a man can be friends with a woman he finds unattractive?
Harry Burns: No. You pretty much want to nail 'em too.
Sally Albright: What if THEY don't want to have sex with YOU?
Harry Burns: Doesn't matter because the sex thing is already out there so the friendship is ultimately doomed and that is the end of the story.
Sally Albright: Well, I guess we're not going to be friends then.
Harry Burns: I guess not.
Sally Albright: That's too bad. You were the only person I knew in New York.”

[mrs_overall]

lol

[Octavius]

Mrs Octo unwittingly believes that I am still dashing enough to attract the opposite sex and, realising what 'women are like', knows that they would probably struggle to keep their hands off me.

I mean, really? Me?

[murraymints]

I expect when you are an international super model you are accustomed to male adulation....;-)

[rockyracoon]

My OH has never had a female friend in all the years I've known him, if he suddenly struck up a friendship now I think I'd be wary. I do have a couple of bloke friends that I've known since I was a kid, and OH is fine if I was to see them.

I actually get on better with men than I do women (I am working on it) and it has in the past caused a couple of women to take a dislike to me.

[Prudie]

Nearly all my friends are male and I know it is purely platonic on my part. Quite hypocritical and insecure I know but I'd not be so comfortable if my OH had the same (which he doesn't).

[Prudie]

snap rocky! I always quote Rachel from Friends 'girls tend not to like me'

[ChillDoubt]

My sister-in-law does tend to keep an eye on my brother and particular friends of hers whenever they are out and about as a group, but then she is his 4th wife!

He likes wedding cake, bless him.

[rockyracoon]

Lol Prudie, I just wish it was for the same reason :)

[Sqad]

Wherever men and women come into contact there is a chance of infidelity.

[rockyracoon]

Lol, I had a bet with myself that you'd be along with that comment in the next 5 mins, you beat me.

[mccfluff]

really sqad, in your world maybe

i work with two men 5 days a week, all day, no a chance in hell would i want to get intimate with either of them and im sure they feel the same

[murraymints]

That's very reserved for you squad !..lol....how's yoo ?

[mrs_overall]

I have some very good male friends - one I have known for 25 years and one for over 30 years and there has never been a hint of anything between us.
I also have two gay male friends who are brilliant when it comes to shopping for clothes

[Sqad]

Fluffy.

Why do you assume that my world is the "odd one out?"

The only reason that your male workmates don't make a pass is that you are either unattractive or your demeanor is so off putting, that it would not be worth their trouble.

[ChillDoubt]

really sqad, in your world maybe

i work with two men 5 days a week, all day, no a chance in hell would i want to get intimate with either of them and im sure they feel the same
---------------
I refer you to what Billy Crystal said earlier in the thread........

[ummmm]

How insulting, Sqad!!!