Can a man and woman just be friends?

SavingPennies_2

In this situations, based on what you have said, id say he isnt interested in just being friends and I would politely decline any offers to meet up before things get more complicated.

System

Yes they can, i'm best friends with one of my exes (which many people find weird but there is ZERO attraction on either side, and the past is ancient history).

But it think in you're case he has feelings and that somewhat complicates things. I think you know he wants to be more than friends so if you don't feel the same i would keep the distance.

yvonne13_2

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Yes they can, i'm best friends with one of my exes (which many people find weird but there is ZERO attraction on either side, and the past is ancient history).

But it think in you're case he has feelings and that somewhat complicates things. I think you know he wants to be more than friends so if you don't feel the same i would keep the distance.

To be honest I don't think he has feelings based on his "Carlos lothario" past.

Top_Girl

Yvonne, yes.

Some of my closest, dearest friends are male.

That said, a lot of the time there is a conversation to be had sometimes before the friendship can be fine.

The guy you are on about, does not seek friendship from you.

If you want to be his mate, you need to be clear about that ASAP.

sky89line

Yes they can, I'm studyng in Canada as an international student and I have a lot of girls friends from all over the world. At my situation is okay

podperson

Yes, they can. I have plenty of male friends, enjoy their company and we get on great.

In this case though it's obviously more complicated. If you think he might actually have feelings for you then I would steer well clear. If, however, you think he's the type who simply has to 'try it on' with every woman he knows (and I do know a few guys like this!) then try spelling out to him very clearly that you are not interested in him that way and nothing will ever happen. If he still wants to be friends then maybe give him a chance.
Like I said I've known some guys like that and while I tend to feel rather sorry for the woman they go out with then once you get in the 'friend' camp then they can be a good laugh. Of course there are also some guys who don't see the point in being friends with a woman if they can't get anything 'extra' out of it - so I guess you'll have to see what his reaction seems to be.

Frith

My oldest friend is male. We used to live in the same semi detached house while we were children then shared the same house together at University.

I find it extremely difficult to be friends with exes, though.

lemontart

scooby088 wrote: »

Yes they can be friends as long as attraction doesn't get in the way, but your situation I would say best to leave it well alone.

I agree totally - him saying he has always liked you sounds and wanting to show you he has changed sounds very much like he is hoping for more than just friends.

But yes men and women can be just friends - but that depends on the individuals as every one and every relationship of any kind has differing dynamics

skivenov

Definately. My best mate is my ex-girlfriend (that bit of our lives is ancient history that didn't get far into this century).

bargainbetty

Several of my closest friends are male, and in the specific case where we did get a bit lively a couple of times, we are still friends and it doesn't bother either of us that we had sex in the dim and distant past.

Lots of people say otherwise. I'm about to lose my current flatmate (and soon to be former best friend) because his girlfriend has decided that she has a problem with me (despite acknowleging I have done nothing wrong) and gave him an ultimatum. He leaves his home, or she dumps him. Sadly, he is in a fragile emotional state at the minute, and agreed. Silly boy.