Many times you meet someone of the opposite sex and immediately know you will just be friends with this person — pure platonic friends, simple and easy without a question in your mind. So the short answer is yes, men and women can really be just friends in these clean cut scenarios. But what about those situations when the lines are blurred, when one of you is just not happy staying in the friend zone. These scenarios, if not well managed, can be stressful for both of you and can destroy the friendship. Here are some things to think about and put in place so you enjoy a higher level of happiness and fulfillment in your opposite-sex friendships.
1. Flirt with caution.
If you have feelings for your friend a little innocent flirting is simply a green light letting them know when and if they are open to a relationship, you are open to it. However, if you are not interested in any way, flirting can potentially lead the other person on. If the other person is clearly attracted to you and you’re not, then flirting blurs the lines for them and confusion enters the relationship, forcing you to have a difficult conversation that neither party may be ready to handle.
2. Do you get jealous?
If feelings of jealousy arise when your friend mentions wanting to date someone then deeper feelings are involved. In this case, the two of you can’t be just friends. You will have to create more distance. It may hurt at first but unless the feelings get addressed and boundaries are set, one or both of you will never fully enjoy the relationship as a true friendship.
3. If they’re in a relationship, become friends with their spouse/partner.
If your friend is in a relationship and you truly want to ensure a long-lasting friendship then the right thing to do is to become friends with their partner and embrace the relationship as part of the friendship. If you are the one in a relationship, find opportunities for your partner to meet your friend and build their own connection and respect for each other. Such an approach ensures that all parties are stress-free and transparent about the fulfillment received from the friendship.
Share your opinions and perspectives below. Do you think men and women can be just friends? Let us know!
Photo credits: Main Image:www.andygill.com ; second photo www.hindi-sms-shayari.com
Yvonne Sinniah
Author
Yvonne Sinniah (@YvonneSinniah) is a Relations Advisor and inspirational speaker focusing on helping individuals achieve success in personal and professional environments. focusing on helping individuals achieve success in personal and professional environments. She is on a mission to meet a nee...
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