"Just Friends?"

By: Isis Nicole


It is the age old question: can women and men be just friends? While this is one question that has plagued people for generations, I'm going to settle all of the disputes. I’m just going to come right out and say it. Yes, it is possible for men and women to just be friends. Who am I to say that the thought is unimaginable or impossible? The fact that two people aren't the same sex shouldn't necessarily mean that they are incapable of having a platonic relationship. 


With that said, the best way to maintain a healthy friendship that involves members of the opposite sex is to eliminate and/or conquer the physical attraction. Oftentimes, this is easier said than done, but if you can get around this tiny detail, it could possibly be smooth sailing from that moment until forever. Now, let's break it down for a second. Getting past the physical can mean a lot of different things. However, it boils down to whether or not you're going to act on "it" or not. 


Back in the day, when there was absolutely no pressure that came along with being friends with the opposite sex, we found a way to make it work, right? That was the time when boys and girls were buddies and pals. So, why can't the same be true in adulthood? Friendship does not have to mean romance. We have the choice to either allow a friendship to transition into something more or to uphold its genuine emotion. 


In my case, I like the fact that my friendship with males aren't romantic at all. My male friends are like brothers. They are there when I need advice and my partners in crime. Sure they may witness a heartbreak and may even try to mend it, but that's as far as it goes.


In the words of Don O'Meara, Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati-Raymond Walters College, "Platonic love does exist." We just have to decide for ourselves what's appropriate and what's not.