Friends of the opposite sex….while in a relationship. For some, this is a major issue. Why? For 2 major reasons (comment if you feel that I overlooked one).
1. Insecurities/Jealousy. This is the number one reason why both men and women have problems with their significant others being friends with someone of the opposite sex. They feel threatened by that friendship. I can admit that I was that type of girlfriend before and let me say, it is not a good “headspace” to be in. Not only does it show lack of trust, but it will drive you crazy over-analyzing every little detail of that situation. If you put that much effort into wondering if your girlfriend/boyfriend’s “opposite sex friendships” are more than just friendships, you shouldn’t be in a relationship. In it’s simplest form, the only difference between friendships and relationships is intimacy, so yes, I can understand the territorial instinct to want your significant other to yourself and want that unique bond/closeness. Maybe your boyfriend/girlfriend has been friends with this person for 10 years and you’ve only been together with him/her for 1 year and you feel you have to compete for that attention or compete with that higher level of bond that they have…that’s all a part of you feeling insecure within that situation. If you feel some type of way, address it PROPERLY, but at the end of the day, who are you to TELL your significant other they can’t be friends with someone of the opposite sex, let along hang with or talk to other males/females? That’s something that is going to naturally occur in everyday life.
2. People actually believe that men and women can’t be JUST friends. I neverrrr understood that! I can personally speak on this matter. I have several good, male friends that I talk to almost everyday, including one my closest friends…neither of which I have EVER been inclined to move past anything more than a friendship with... Never. Love em to death, but do I think about them beyond our platonic friendship? Negative. And I’m 100% sure they would say the same.
Now I would address the significant factor of “cheating” in this post because, of course, that could possibly play a role in the situation, but that’s a whole ‘nother rant. Nonetheless, how do you feel about your significant other having friends of the opposite sex? Do you think there should be “guidelines” in place, do you not care because you trust your significant other 100%? What are your thoughts?
Comment below!!
