Why is it so hard for me to be friends -- and i mean, just friends -- with a woman?
468788
I can relate to low levels of emotional attachment, but sounds to me that there are some inner issues that have nothing to do with just other women.  Maybe you don’t trust too well, or are a private person.  Some people need friends that understand when they need to be alone.. You should consider that being away from a plutonic friend for a while doesn’t mean the friendship has to end.  Spend less time, not no time.
17169
It depends on the woman and man. Some people use "friendship" as a way of becoming close to someone who they secretly harbour feelings for. In a case like that, then chances are, there's going to be a lot of hurt, if the feelings are not reciprocated. But if we are talking about two people who have absolutely no romantic feelings towards each other, then yes, they can be friends, and be closer than even brothers-and-sisters.
697490
The reason that women act that way is because there are torn in between there "feelings & heart"!! She's IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!\nAnd she's having a hard time couping with that, and now you told her that you want time apart she's really taking it hard!!\nShe really want to be with you but at the same time she don't want to wreck the friendship that you 2 have!\nIf you and she have very strong feelings towards each other don't be shy to make that next step!!!
672854
I've had a bad experience with dating a girl that I'd been friends with. It was pretty awkward, both of us knew eachother and what we like with the exception of relationship needs. I was so used to us just being friends that I made minimal moves. Unfortunately, she believed in the man making all the moves. She eventually got bored and went after someonme else.
142727
Get involved, get a life.  Don't be so bothered by the fact that you are not hearing from your friend often enough, it seems like she knows your number when she is going through stuff, and loses it when all is going well for her, that to me isn't what friendship is all about.  Maybe if you were to find things to occupy your time and maybe start meeting other people, you may very well come across someone who will treasure you as a friend and have respect for your friendship.
564995
They can if the have no other feelings besides being friends. I have guy friends and we know each others limits you just have to be sure you want nothing other then to be friends
9523
Yes, a woman with whom I was a really good friend (I will call her Jane) just turned on me and almost refuses to talk to me now. We don't live near each other anymore, so it's not as big a deal now as it once was. But I have no idea what I did or said to turn her against me. I am one who has really good relationships with people and long-term friendships. So this really took me by surprise.\n\nJane and I used to spend hours together every week and a lot of time on the phone. We were both members of the same professional association. I saw her there and she was really rude to me like I had offended her in a big way. \n\nI am still mystified by this situation and it took place nearly eight years ago. I was told, by a mutual friend who asked me about the break up that Jane had done this in other relationships. That made me feel a little less confused, but I am still saddened by the loss of what I considered a great friendship.
92860
I agree somewhat with Katrina, that men can be intimiated by independent and strong women.  But, as a guy, I would say "put off," not exactly intimidated.  For example, I recently dated a gal who I was very attracted to, although she wasn't stunning- she just "did it" for me.  But, she spent too much time telling me about her degrees from MIT, how she worked for Steve Jobs, etc..  Relationships are about humanness to me- life's little problems, emotionality, sensuality.  I talk shop all day at work, and want something deeper in a relationship.  It just got to a point where I didn't want to hold a conversation with her, since we just couldn't connect.  I guess the point is maybe revisit the guys you like with a deeply human approach, and see how that works.  I agree with the rest of the posters-  it's hard to meet someone you like.  It's true for me, too.  I live in the middle of nowhere.
179613
I think it is very difficult to be friends with your x because even if you don't want to admit it you usually still have feelings for them.  It also makes it awkward for the new person in your life when you hang out and are friendly with your x.  They can't help but wonder if the two of you will end up back together and it can cause stress on a current relationship.  It is okay to part ways being friendly and not hating each other but a relationship as friends is just too risky especially when you find someone new.
46024
I live with two incredibly gorgeous and endearing women, and not to toot my own horn, but I'm a fairly attractive guy.  We've been friends for the better part of ten years.  Although I admit I fantasize about them every now and again, that doesn't really make them any different than any other attractive females.  I know I'd never want to complicate what we have as friends.
348498
Just talk to her! If she really wants to be your friend, she'll understand.
343130
Oh God, yes, women want straight male friends!! I've got more male friends than female ones - like a family of protective 'brothers' and I don't know what I'd do without them. \n\nIf you want to take a relationship further, though, you could always say, look, I like being your friend, but is there any chance you might come out with me for dineer/coffee/cinema/a drink sometime on our own?  Cos I'm guessing that you usually see females in company at work or socially.  If she's a friend to you already, she won't want to hurt your feelings and hopefully will turn you down gracefully, if that's the way it goes.  Then you haven't lost a friend, you've made her feel flattered (unless you are utterly repulsive - which you're not, are you!), and you never know, she might say to you some day after she's thought about it for a while, is that offer still open?  Then you can take it from there....
360167
I really don't understand how someone could be friends with someone they do not respect. You don't have to agree with everything, but you do need to respect each other for any relationship to truly grow. Honesty, trust and respect are the basis for any "GOOD" relationship. I wouldn't be able to be friends with someone that didn't respect me as a person.\n\nA.H.
485187
that is no friend, friends can be trusted, friends are loyal, she is not doing her part in the friendship, its time to find a better friend! best wishes!
181216
I had a best friend for like 2 years and we did alot of great things together and I use to get so mad at my hubby cuz he kept saying " this guy wants more than u as a friend" over and over and over.  Well he was always great and never once hit one me.  BUT my hubby WAS right- all that time he was just hoping and praying my hubby and I would seperate- and he was just kinda waiting in line!  It broke my heart when I found out.  He was my FRIEND!  I have trouble believing a guy can just be a girls friend without occasionally WANTING MORE from her.  Its just natural for guys to be attracted to girls.
714864
someone has to make the first move if you still want to be her friend.  Send a card to her or something....or make a new friend.
466537
we see all women as friends...BUT...we also see them as women, the first chance we get, the friendship is not as important anymore as it is to score...don't get me wrong though, we can be friends, just never give us the impression that we can be more...