Most of my cultural references suggested that there would always be the possibility of sex simmering below the surface.
Every time Joey hugged Rachel or Phoebe inFriends… was there the potential for something more?
Hey, perhaps they are involved.
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But is it also possible that their relationship is platonicanda bit tactile?
That months of filming together has led to a trusting and meaningful friendship?
Why do we find that such an unlikely scenario?
I have dear male pals from my teenage years, university days, and professional career.
That their partners have cause for suspicion.
If you know, you know.
So how much touch is normal?
For me, that depends on your usual friendship boundaries.
All that is perfectly comfortable with my male pals, too.
Id be asking myself whether they were going through a tough time and needed more comfort than usual.
He got the message.
But that doesnt mean that every physical brush between male and female friends contains a deeper, hornier meaning.
(If youre kissing or sleeping together, needless to say youve already crossed the Rubiconsorry.)
Of course, male-female friendships can develop into romances, too, but they can also stay platonic forever.
To assume theyre headed in that direction is reductive and misguided.
Often, the problem is other people.
Nothing ever happened; there wasnt even a flicker of romance.
We were friends: we didnt flirt, we never drunkenly kissed, we werent even that tactile.
Ive always thought she suspected our closeness hinted at something more.
That our friendships play a vital role in our emotional lives and should be appreciated just as much.
As well as being monumental piss-takers.
Thats something to celebrate.
See: White and Edebiri speaking of their respect for one another.
We really enjoy each other in life, on camera and off camera,he recently said.
In fact, I love that we feel comfortable enough to do that.
My husband wouldnt think twice, just as I wouldnt with his close female friends.
I love that there are women in his life who care about him, too.
But to those who dont know us, perhaps it would look like something moreand how depressing is that?
