Best Friend of the Opposite Sex: Can It Be 100% Platonic?

[Warhammer]

This is a question to all the people out there that has a best friend of the opposite sex. Actually, anyone can answer it really. Think about it. This is one of the best friends or the sole/lone best friend out of your entire circle of friends. Whether your best friend of the opposite sex is in a relationship or if you do/don't find them attractive, there aren't any limitations to this question. Again, think about it.

Can two best friends of the opposite sex have a 100% platonic relationship?

Give your thoughts and personal stories. And for those who don't know, the opposite of a platonic relationship (you don't "like" each other/"just friends") would be a sexual relationship (you "like" each other).

 

[Wolfwood]

I used to think it was possible, but after some recent drama, I don't know anymore. I'm sure some people can pull it off, but it really has to be under the right circumstances.

 

[Warhammer]

Another question to think about:

- Is it inevitable for one or both of them to become emotionally attached down the line? (intimate/sexual/romantic)

 

[The Original Bamfer]

I am absolutely, 100% positive that, yes, you can have a best friend of the opposite sex (or whatever gender you're sexually attracted to) and have the relationship be completely platonic. Obviously, this isn't always possible, but it can happen, and that's the question that's being asked. I'm so confident in my answer to say that it's fact, and will be willing to argue it with anyone who completely dismisses it.[/endseriousness]

 

[Bboy]

I think it's possible for sure. Not for everyone but definitely possible. Why not? Not every man is attracted to every female...

An example is family friends who have grown up together. They see each other more as brothers/sisters than someone they're attracted to. You hear it all the time, "Eew, nah I don't see them that way, we're practically family!".

It's so possible.

 

[Dark Phantom]

If we're talking from a stream of consciousness standpoint, it's almost impossible to assume that the thought of being emotionally attracted to a best friend of the opposite sex, does not occur. One or the other will most likely think at one point in their friendship, "We are very compatible. Maybe we deserve each other." Even if that romantic relationship does not come to fruition, lustful thoughts might still creep its way back unsuspectingly; it's the humanmind we are talkign about after all.

However, there are so many opposite gender friendships that remain platonic in action. I have a many close girl friends. At one time or another I considered them to be potentially datable, but then i realized a platonic frienship would be more appropriate given my knowledge of who I'm compatible with on a sexually romantic level.

 

[Motown Marvel]

my best friend of 14 years is a woman. and its a 110% platonic. most of my closest friends are women, actually. i just get along with them better than guys.

 

[Silvermoth]

Oh aye, of course one can have a platonic friendship with the opposite sex. Your sister and your mother for example. But on another note, one of my closest friends and mentors is my boss from my old work and we have a completly genderless friendship that I think I couldn't be without

 

[Ahura Mazda]

I voted no but I would have to caveat that in so far that it is no when you are sexually attracted to the person of the opposite sex. Can you have a platonic relationship, probably yes if you have self control but it is never completely a platonic relationship given ther thoughts you may have in your own head.

 

[Lantern Venom]

It is possible but both people have to be mature. The friendship must be valued over any one-nighters and even a shot at a romantic relationship.

 

[Casius--J]

If you think its not possible then you have to consider those relationships where one or more is not attracted to the opposite sex.

But I still think its possible with both parties that are attracted to the opposite sex.

 

[The Question]

Another question to think about:

- Is it inevitable for one or both of them to become emotionally attached down the line?

Aren't you already emotionally attached, if you consider them your best friend?


The thread question is kind of vague. Do you mean platonic as in "with no sexual attraction" or do you mean platonic as in "with no romantic interest?" I mean, both are possible, and you can have one and not the other in either combination. You can also have one and not the other in either combination and not have it be detrimental to the friendship. But I'm just kind of curious about what you mean exactly.

 

[StorminNorman]

If the friendship involves two attractive individuals - then no, it's not possible. At all. It will eventually devolve into ridiculous drama.

 

[Crook]

If the friendship involves two attractive individuals - then no, it's not possible. At all. It will eventually devolve into ridiculous drama.

Bingo. Though I would add in "two attractive individuals who are attracted to each other". I've seen a few friendships with gorgeous friends, but they 100% see themselves as brother and sister.

 

[Jennifer Walters]

So you are telling me that two attractive people can't not be attracted to one another? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

Two people can be friends, attractive or not, and not fall into the trappings of a romance. It's as simple as that. Close thread.

 

[Alex The Great]

One of my best friends is a female, and every thing is fine (even though she already has a boyfriend...but, It's fine)

So yes

 

[mrvlknight21]

Yes. It can and does happen. I have had a few in my lifetime. I even went to the prom with one of them, just as friends.
...well, ok, 2 of them ended up liking me, but one still hasnt.

These are not BEST friends, but very very close friends.

 

[ChickenScratch]

I didn't vote because throughout high school and college one of my best friends was female and though we didn't date or have any sort of relationship beyond friendship we did sleep together all the time. But it was more just how we hung out.

Now I'm married so it's purely non-physical.

 

[Marx]

I believe it can.

 

[TheFuture]

I know that it's possible, I have seen it, but for me personally it's not possible. Sure, you can be friends with women, no problem there whatsoever. Best friends though? Not for me, I always find that if I'm striking up a good rapport with a woman and that we have a lot in common then I inevitably begin to develop feelings for that person.

 

[Motown Marvel]

i'd say it's ridiculously immature to think its not possible.

 

[TheFuture]

i'd say it's ridiculously immature to think its not possible.

I'm not sure if that's directed at me but what the hey. Firstly, I pointed out that I know it's possible for a lot of people. But for me personally it's not. That's me, I can only use my own personal experience in order to answer the question specific to my own context.

I don't think that makes me immature, usually you don't get as straight laced as me, I'm regularly told that I'm wise beyond my years.

 

[Motown Marvel]

it was a general point directed at anyone who felt otherwise. and no it doesnt make you immature in general, but in that specific regards, yes its immature. not that i really care one way or another....

 

[Erzengel]

I think jealousy rears it's ugly head when one has both a best friend and a bf/gf. Call it human nature but most people aren't comfortable with their bf/gf being too close to a member of the opposite.

 

[Danalys]

how about if your best friend was the opposite sex would you want them? *mischievous chuckle*