Can Men and Women Just Be Friends?

Dear Dr. Warren,

As I date and search for a relationship partner I’m confronted with a recurring problem-- opposite sex friendships. What is your belief about opposite sex friendship when a person is married or dating someone?  

Dr. Neil Clark Warren, Clinical Psychologist and eHarmony Founder

Dear Dr. Warren,
As I date and search for a relationship partner I’m confronted with a recurring problem, opposite sex friendships. Before I move forward with anyone I need to clearly establish how I feel on this matter.

What is your belief about opposite sex friendship when a person is married or dating someone?
-Kelly, KS

Kelly,
I have always been an enthusiastic proponent of deep rooted friendships with a variety of people. I believe that in most of our lives there will be one or two (or maybe more) episodes where your good and loving friends will, almost literally, save your life. The unconditional support these close friends provide will carry you though you darkest hours, when the rest of the world has seemingly turned against you. So, at the beginning I wanted to establish my complete support for the general concept of friendship, regardless of the gender of the friends.

The question you ask Kelly is really about the sort of friendship in question and the feelings of your spouse or boyfriend.