Just Friends?!

Harry: No man can be friends with a woman that he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her.
Sally: So, you're saying that a man can be friends with a woman he finds unattractive?
Harry: No. You pretty much want to nail 'em too.

~When Harry Met Sally

I used to work for someone who made a living entertaining people through their dating and relationships questions. One topic that I saw come up a lot (and have personally chatted about on nights out with the girls) is the question... Can guys and girls really be just friends?!

Just this past weekend a bunch of us gals went to see "No Strings Attached" and got to talking about if a relationship like that could be pulled off! Frankly, I wish it could! Sometimes in your life you need a little fun, but don't have the time or desire for a full on relationship. I personally am not a very mushy girl - in fact mushy/needy makes me run the other way. So sometimes I think I'd be prefer a casual relationship. Though I feel like it's still more acceptable for guys to pull this off. That, or guys are better at pulling off a 'no strings attached' relationship. Of course they rarely work out... someone either falls or jealousy takes over.

But aside from that... we often hear the joke "being put in the friend zone!" So... can guys and girls successfully be JUST FRIENDS? The quote at the top of the blog, from the movie "When Harry Met Sally," tells us no. My brother and law would agree with that quote. As he says, "No normal man would ever say I want to be just friends and continue to hang out with the girl all the time!" I was recently cast into the "friend zone" for the first time in my life. My bro-in-law and all my fellow (guy) agents think that's impossible. They believe that if I were interested in a dude, he's not going to want to be just friends! Guess that might be how the man brain works?! While that's a nice compliment, I have to disagree!

There have been some guys that I've crossed paths with that have alluded to trying the dating thing. First, I'm not a big "dater" just never been a big fan. Second, there have been times where I wouldn't even venture down that path for fear that I would lose that guy as friend if the dating thing didn't work out, so I say no before even giving it a try! *Might be why I'm still single - ha ha!* Some people you just don't see in that light, but think they are an incredibly great person! Some of my best relationships are with my guy friends. They're relaxed, usually drama free, and honest. What you see is what you get! That is what I found my friendships with guys to be like, and I cherish those friendships.

So... what do you think? Can guys and girls be just friends?! Or does sex get in the way making it too complicated?!