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Navigating Platonic Friendships: Can Men and Women Truly Be “Just Friends”?

Navigating the friendships between men and women can be a complex and intriguing experience.

Jennifer McDougall
4 min readAug 18, 2023

Platonic relationships are possible for most people but can add challenges if one is interested romantically and the other wishes to be only friends. I have often had this happen, questioning whether platonic relationships are possible. I’ve also had conversations with my female friends, who say they can't be only friends with men. Here lies the question, CAN MEN AND WOMEN BE PLATONIC FRIENDS?

Navigating Platonic Friendships: Can Men and Women Truly Be “Just Friends”?
Photo by DISRUPTIVO on Unsplash

Breaking Stereotypes

Society has perpetuated the notion that men and women cannot maintain strictly platonic friendships. The idea stems from the belief that attraction and romance will inevitably rear their heads, clouding the foundation of friendship. However, it is crucial to challenge these stereotypes and recognize that genuine connections can exist without romantic intentions.

Men and women can be strictly friends. I’ve seen it a thousand times. That doesn’t mean there aren’t times when that line can potentially become blurred, which is why setting boundaries is so important. If this person is genuinely your friend, they will respect your boundaries.

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Jennifer McDougall
Jennifer McDougall

Written by Jennifer McDougall

Host of Life Refined podcast 🎙️ Personal Growth | Self-Improvement | Wellness 💡 Helping you level up your mindset & life. https://linktr.ee/jenmcdougall

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