opposite sex friendships

[hill70]

can I hear others views on having friends of the opposite sex whilst in a relationship. This is something that my partner and i are disagreeing on at the minute.

[Alan]

Hah! Is it possible to have friends of the opposite sex without the temptation of sexual activity? My thoughts are very cynical on this and I would say that initially it IS possible, but in the long term I think the temptation proves too strong.

It's all very well for people to say that if a marriage is strong it shouldn't matter ; but sadly, in the real world, it does not work like that.

[Sleepless in CA]

I'm going to have to agree with Alan. Couple friends are the way to go. I have male friends at work, I would never hang out with alone, but I would invite them over with their spouse or sig. other. Your partner should be your pal, your lover, be fullfilled by her, I'm hopless I know, but isn't that the way it was intended to be? I believe it was. Good luck. Sleepless in CA

[SRJ]

I agree with Alan here - long term I do not think it is possible. My partner had a relationship with a work colleague who for years I was assured was 'just a good friend'. I think they did start as friends but unfortunately it went further. He left his girlfriend for my other half but she opted to stay with me. We are trying to rebuild but its looking like our relationship is over!

Opposite sex friendships could work if the couple is involved (as mentioned by Sleepless in CA). In my case I was kept out of many my partner's work social functions - something I was very suspicious of at the time - and I think that was a large factor in them 'getting together'.