"Men and women can't be friends ... the sex part always gets in the way."
--Harry, "When Harry Meets Sally"
Does a female-male friendship always involve some element of sexuality? The high divorce rate in the country combined with the media attention to celebrity break-ups due to affairs might make you think so.
Can men and women just be friends? The age-old question probably has no right or wrong answer. However, according to psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz interviewed on the TODAY Show, couples need to follow guidelines when they also have male-female friendships.
1) If you have a friend of the opposite sex, this friendship should not be secretive--your spouse should know and approve of the friendship.
2) Avoid meeting in high risk settings such as a bar or hotel.
3) Don't share your marital problems with members of the opposite sex because secretly sharing intimate details such as this can lead to an emotional affair.
4) If you are going to be friends with someone of the opposite sex you need to bring your spouse into the mix. Include your spouse in group get-togethers that also include your friend of the opposite sex.
5) If you feel that your friendship is heating up, acknowledge this outside attraction to your spouse. Don't kick your feelings under the rug.
(Photo: The movie "When Harry Meets Sally")
