Can't men and women be friends?

[roselily]

You are always kind, Roselily

I think that I wasn’t too clear earlier: in my post I was referring to married men & women. I think that single men & women can and should be friends.

 

[whatevergirl]

*I think everyone’s experience could vary, every marriage is inidividual. If a spouse really feels put off by the other having a friendship of the opposite sex, then it’s best to end it. Provided the put off spouse is rational and not prone to jealousy. Jealousy is not healthy in a marriage, either. There are men I chat with at work, same with my husband…but I’m not hanging with them, like I would my husband. Personally, I can’t imagine bearing my soul to any man, except my husband. Maybe others need additional outlets to vent…but, my husband IS my best friend, and I am his. But, again, I don’t see anything inherently wrong with it. Just stay tuned into your spouse. If your spouse doesn’t like it deep down inside…tone the friendship down. Being friends with a man, is not worth hurting my husband’s feelings over.
*

 

[roselily]

Oh, you are so good!

 

[whatevergirl]

You are always kind, Roselily

I think that I wasn’t too clear earlier: in my post I was referring to married men & women. I think that single men & women can and should be friends.

I agree with that and I think it’s entirely possible. And maybe that friendship will grow, and your friend will become your hubby someday. lol

 

[whatevergirl]

Oh, you are so good!

*I didn’t mean to be arrogant when I posted that above. What’s that word…presumptious? I apologize to all if I appeared that way. I was just saying that I wouldn’t want to vent to another man…when I have my hubby to complain to. lol!

hope you are doing well, roselily *

 

[lifeisbeautiful]

I’m glad to know that the church supports it, but that doesn’t stop those dangerous whispers. Truth is irrelevant once the gossip starts, it seems like people will automatically assume the worst.

This does not mean the Church supports/thinks prudent all friendships/levels of friendship etc among anyone, it just means the Church says friendship is a good for all, and chastity is expressed in friendship. What I am saying is there are types of frienships that are not prudent, to say the least. Take for example, a priest and an attractive single woman. They may get along marvelously, but it could be an occasion of sin for both of them, aside from a cause for scandal, for them to spend a lot of time together, alone, etc. Another example would be two people that are attracted to each other but not free to marry each other. They should not pursue a friendship regardless of all the wonderful things friendship can bring. There is a difference between a friendship among people of the opposit sex free to marry each other and people of the opposite sex not able to marry each other. Friendships among people of opposite sex can be tricky. Some beautiful friendships among a man and a woman can blossom into marriage, I know many people that were friends first, then started dating and got married. I agree with the other posters, I don’t doubt one bit your rectitude, and your honest interest in just being friends. Nevertheless, often one does not set out to “fall in love” with another person, etc, but strong ties can form, especially between people that want to spend time alone together. Growing up, my elementary school (Catholic) had a female and a male gym teacher, boys and girls would take gym class separately. They were both married, good people. At school, they would eat lunch together alone, they enjoyed each other’s company, had a lot in common. It was a public place, a Catholic school, where they would spend time together. My mom was a teacher there, she knew them. She said people started noticing they were always together alone at lunch, that they could see things from the outside, but they just brushed it off. Long story short, they both ended up divorced. I am not suggesting that you are going to end up the same, I am just saying it can happen to good Catholic people that didn’t set out to have an affair. True they could have resisted the temptation once they realized what was going on, but it is much more difficult after you have such a strong connection.

 

[roselily]

*I didn’t mean to be arrogant when I posted that above. What’s that word…presumptious? I apologize to all if I appeared that way. I was just saying that I wouldn’t want to vent to another man…when I have my hubby to complain to. lol!

hope you are doing well, roselily *

 

[Rascalking]

Rick2345 above was right. Conduct yourself like their spouse is in the room, and you really have nothing to miss out on. Except maybe a lifelong friendship if you let this one pass.