Can true friendship exist between men and women?

Can true friendship exist between men and women?


This is probably similar to the question of the “chicken or the egg” or at least it is often mentioned in this way.

About 20 years ago, I met a man at my work place with whom we instantly clicked. We did several projects together successfully. With time, we became friends, got to know each other’s family and finally, we founded a company together. Of course, as in all human relationships, we had and will probably have our ups and downs. Sometimes we talk more often and it also happens that long periods go by without a word.

In December, 2019, from one minute to the next, everything became so busy that our regular “Christmas” wine drinking was postponed to last Friday. In 2019, major life changes started in both of our lives – new job, new challenges -, so we had a lot to talk about. Then somehow, as we had done before a few times, we once again arrived at the topic of how we could remain “just friends” after so many years. And what did we conclude? First of all, he has been in love with his wife for about 30 years and 11 years ago, I also met the man who I immediately knew was “the one”. Secondly, his very best friend is his wife and mine is Old Cat. Thirdly, we never felt any sexual attraction towards each other.

So, what is the bottom line? I agree with those who say that a romantic relationship raises each person up if love becomes one with friendship. So, the answer to the above mentioned question is “yes”. Yes, friendship between men and women can exist, but the most important basis for this is that neither person develops a sexual attraction toward the other. What is your answer to this question?