Yep, it's the way to a good relationship being friends but if it goes further then that is a good basis for any relationship! My daughter got married Saturday and her and her husband have been friends, then best friends for years until he plucked up the courage to ask her out! now they are married! awwww

It is possible but it's difficult if one or both find the other attractive.

Of course they can, one of my best friends was male we hung out together for and number of years and then he went and found himself a wife<img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />

And you can bet that his new wife surgically removed you from his life.
That's another general caveat to the whole concept. Partners usually have a problem with their other half having a close friend of the opposite sex. I've been there many times myself, and it's been my experience that no matter how much they say that they are cool with it, girlfriends always harbour a deep dislike and mistrust of female friends.

Although I love having male friends I think you're right Dae - it's difficult if one finds the other attractive. I too have been there but don't forget it works both way Dae, a jealous partner is a jealous partner whether they be male or female. And of course you are absolutely right Ali-bach, your partner needs to be one of your (if not the) best friends as life throws you all kinds of curve balls and if they are not in your corner to hold you and make the bad times better and the good time brilliant why bother. I think the answer is to involve your partner and your best friend in as many things as possible together.

Hi all. Same ere I had really good male friends in the past only one now. but lost them all to the wife. The wife never wants to be ya friend too. But maybe that were I'm going wong they were cleaarly ready to settle & I get left behind as I always pick the wrong one & I don't want to loose me mates (but I do any way) lol <img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' />

YOu still got me wiggy mate. One good thing about having male friends, they come in handy when you need a bit of muscle around<img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />

us boys do make good friends, we do try our best <img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' />

TMIW....
"I think the answer is to involve your partner and your best friend in as many things as possible together"
I will ask tonight but expect a slap in the face.<img src='theme/emoticon_wink.png' />

Trust is a big word isn't it. Well if they don't want to join in then they have to trust you. Or you have to decide who is the most important I guess and the partner usually wins! This is a situation we all better get used to!<img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' /> Plus we can always find new friends. I have (on here)<img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' /> and I hope they last

she wee is cheating liz, that does not count <img src='theme/emoticon_tongue.png' />

Well some woman can wee standing up. But I'm not one of them I'd like go still be classed as a lady ha ha
Thanks ruth but I ment male friend I got loads of female mates
Tmiw ere ere

From personal experience NO.

There is always one that wants more that the other even if they don't admit it. Its like ex partners being friends when you have had been that intimate..i think its kinda impossible. Maybe thats just my experiencex

I still comes out of a liddle tube Terence. <img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' />

Who says we don't climb trees, play football or throw stones at tin cans <img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />. Well not as easy now as it used to be but I think that's a very sexist remark - it doesn't matter boy or girl we all get our kicks in the same way <img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' /> but I guess we grow out of it quicker! <img src='theme/emoticon_tongue.png' /> I know you're trying to be controversial AndyDav <img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' />

I never made in to the school climbing tree team always wanted too, <img src='theme/emoticon_wink.png' />, made in to the tin can and stone events, always was good at breaking windows, so my mum said <img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' />

Well I think it is healthy to have male friends one of my closest friends is male, and has been a friend of mine for about 15 years. If a man can't be friends with a woman without thinking something more might happen then forget them, you don't need that sort of friend!

And I think its healthy ,as a man ,to have you,milvus,jo and ruth as friends.

Uh MM what about me. <img src='theme/emoticon_unhappy.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_unhappy.png' />

Soz I didn't see my name hadn't got my glasses on. <img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' />

I have had male friends who have been like brothers to me, only to find when they have had too much to drink they go over the boundaries. Spouses separated us. I have recently spoke to one after 30 years and we could still say I love you. <img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' />

sorry, being a man, I"m unfortunately a bit slow coming forward...........tis a strange world, two men , two women or a man and woman become good friends and everyone thinks they are an item,all in all, does it matter what others think?....I know for myself that at least here on this site I"ve found some real down to earth friends,and just being happy in eachothers company,is enough for me........!!!

Andydav, I agree with the girls that is a sexist remark I will climb trees, etc. I was brought up with four brothers and where they went I went too, (they tried to lose me most of the time) being a girl though I was too clever for them to lose me!! I was a real tomboy, I have sat around camp fires, swam in Penarth Dock, climbed trees with the best boys! <img src='theme/emoticon_tongue.png' />

From my point of view I find it easier to get on with girls, no male bullshit & bravado to get through.

Even though I have girl friends and I love you dearly I'm on edge because I'm a gob shite and say things that people take offence though non intended. If I upset a man they tell me there and then I'm a cheeky cow and I can try and explain myself. <img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />

Yes Andydave we all have our opinions on the opposite sex so I guess we are all sexist but that's what makes these forums so much fun!<img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' />And MM you are also right. "...Just being happy in each others company,is enough..." especially here. Cheers guys <img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_tongue.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_grin.png' />

Suppose so Andydav, I will admit you are right!!! not the thing to admit! Girls are generally right! TMiW you are right it is just great being in each others company, looking forward to August, I've warned the Coastguard!<img src='theme/emoticon_wink.png' /<img src='theme/emoticon_evilgrin.png' />

wot doses sexist real mean ?

It means you make derogatory comments about the opposite sex, wel at least thats what I think it means<img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />

Yes can definately be friends, I've always preferred the company of women more than men, tesosterone, whetever seems to get in the way, but my experience is that it can become impossible if one is attracted to the other, and even more so if feelings develop, for one or both.

Ali-Bach so looking forward to seeing you too! Not sure about the rafting but in for a penny in for a pound<img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' />If it was as much fun as my first foray into camping it will be great!!!<img src='theme/emoticon_wink.png' />

Many people will walk in and out of your life,but only true friends will leave a footprint in your heart,

Some men will never understand women and vice versa,they are like oil and water.
To reach an equal might never be maintained,as one will always excel,where the other doesnt,

and that only breeds resentment

So the answer to the question "Can a man and woman be true friends that are not family related" is YES if they both so wish and don't get over influenced by others <img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_surprised.png' /<img src='theme/emoticon_evilgrin.png' />

This debate could go on forever, I think it is up to individuals, cheeky andydav, I am not into equality (well only when it comes to pay!<img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />) I like having the door held open, being treated like a girl, although I am not I am definitely a tom boy, I can do most things myself, just better to share. I love a laugh, will try anything at least once and don't give in! <img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />

Nah, I'm all for women knowing their strengths and weaknesses, I of course don't have any!<img src='theme/emoticon_evilgrin.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_evilgrin.png' /> I would like to think that there are some men out there that still throw their capes down and aren't so hurt or had things thrown at them it has made them think that all females are the same. God stop now Ali, getting too deep here! Bring on the rafting I say now that is equality, 12 women and 3 men (checking tomorrow about you!) <img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' /><img src='theme/emoticon_evilgrin.png' /> what do you reckon the chances are of the girls winning?

I have loads of both, cheeky boy!<img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />

As much as I'ld love to join in I haven't got any friends of any sex sorry
FL

Since when has that stopped you FL <img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' />

Took me a while to work that crunchie, echo thing! Yep, worded that wrong, I meant I didn't have any weaknesses!<img src='theme/emoticon_wink.png' /> yeh right, I am not afraid to admit that I do, loads!

Boost are so sickly Andydav, you are right though a boost from time to time is good! I'm glad I don't like Toblerone! <img src='theme/emoticon_confused.png' />

I have a younger sister, and i know who is the boss, yep my sister is <img src='theme/emoticon_smile.png' />