Platonic Relationships: Can Men and Women Be Strictly Friends?

Steve Harvey as soon as sparked backlash when he said that women and men can’t be platonic associates, however is that basically true? This query has lengthy been a subject of debate amongst courting consultants and love hopefuls. Very like what Harvey urged, many imagine that platonic friendships between reverse sexes should not at all times doable because of males possible creating a bodily attraction, even when they suppress these emotions. Nevertheless, Dr. Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., a psychologist and success coach, says a female and male friendship is feasible, although boundaries should be established early. Moreover, she suggested that associates of the other intercourse have an obligation to make their romantic companions really feel snug with the friendship.

“Other people, particularly spouses/committed partners, may feel threatened by your relationship. Do not discount their feelings. If the shoe were on the other foot, you would probably feel the same way. It is your responsibility to integrate your friendship with your committed relationship. Include your spouse in the friendship,” she wrote in a November 2013 blog posting.

Whereas Dr. Sapadin tends to have an optimistic outlook on platonic friendships between women and men, a few of her skilled colleagues appear to align extra with Harvey’s perspective. A research performed by professors on the College of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and printed within the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships discovered that males are usually extra interested in their feminine associates. It additionally discovered that males usually imagine their feminine associates share this attraction, which isn’t at all times true.

It appears a strictly platonic friendship between a person and a lady is determined by the individuals concerned. Nonetheless, it may be achieved provided that each events are open about their emotions. Refraining from coming into a sexual relationship is an efficient tip if the objective is to stay platonic. Finally, it’s doable however should be dealt with with nice care.