How to Keep Opposite-Sex Friendships Strictly Platonic

Some people don’t think guys and girls can be “just friends.” While I admit the feat is difficult, I refuse to call it “impossible.” People who say otherwise probably just need to change their approach. Here’s how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Admire your friend’s personality. Try focusing on the less tangible characteristics of your good guy friend. Is he a good listener? Is he smart? Does he help out at the soup kitchen every Friday? What made you friends with this person to begin with? By looking at the less obvious traits, you see your friend for the person he is and not by just how attractive he might be. You also become more knowledgeable about the person and consequently become a better friend. For while looks are fleeting, a personality is forever.
2. Be a friend. Ask yourself what you want out of the friendship. If all you can think about is jumping her bones, then you aren’t being a very good friend. A good friend takes pride in being there for their buds, no matter what. If the only reason why you stick around is for the remote chance of a hookup, then it might be in the best interest of both of you to end it. Guys need girls who can listen to them about girl issues. Girls need guys who will sit and listen about how heartless guys can be. Take pride that you are that nice guy who puts herself above societal norms.
3. Construct a cost-to-benefit ratio. One shouldn’t think with the wrong part of the anatomy when he decide on whether or not to make pass at his friend. The worst-case scenario is a complete shut down followed by serious awkwardness for the next few weeks. Your friend will probably question your intentions for becoming friends in the first place. The best scenario is a relationship. But even with a relationship, what happens if you break up? You are then not only out a respective other, but a good friend as well.
4. Don’t let your crush get in the way of your friendship. If you start to like your girl friend, you might act differently. Don’t. While it’s human nature to get butterflies around the person you adore, suddenly manifesting those feelings in an established friendship might send your comrade weird signals. Act normally.