Can Boys and Girls just be friends?

There is an age old question that has been debated for years: Can a girl and a boy be friends?

The other day I was having a conversation with "Mr. Trouble" pertaining to this exact topic. "Trouble" is a ladies’ man - he has many women that would like to date him, but he is living the dream. To quote him "why buy a cow when you can have the milk for free" in other words why settle for one girl when you can have them all!! But can this way of life last? 

How many of you girls have been around a guy that you like, knowing that he does not want to be in a relationship, but you still hang around. You tell yourself that if you are his friend and he sees how wonderful you are then of course he will fall in love with you. Does this work - sometimes but it comes at a very high risk. This can backfire and fast.

So "Mr. Trouble" made it clear to "Miss Hopeful" that all he wanted was friendship; maybe a little cuddling here and there but nothing serious. Of course, "Miss Hopeful" says that this is all she wants as well, and maybe that was the case at first, but "Mr. Trouble" is a charmer, and "Miss Hopeful" didn't have a chance. The more they hung out the more she began to like him and the harder she falls. I'm sure she kept telling herself to stay strong and he would turn around, but like most men "Mr. Trouble" doesn't see the signs. He thinks everything is normal and she is just being a cool fun girl. Well as with most drunk nights, things that you don't plan on happening HAPPEN. Two friends of the opposite sex find themselves alone and in a place where it can go to the next level or not. Nine times out of ten it’s going to that level. The level where most girls become attached (remember there is an exception to every rule).

This night happens and now "Miss Hopeful" wants a relationship and "Mr. Trouble" isn't ready. In his mind it’s not his fault that she is now attached. He made it clear from the beginning that all he wanted was friendship. "Miss Hopeful" was the one to break the rules, she fell for him, and now she is hurt. So once again I ask, can a girl and a boy just be friends?

I say no if there is any type of an attraction. Guys don't understand boundaries and girls think with their emotions. Something that is casual and fun can quickly turn serious for one party and not the other. When this happens someone gets hurt. Now, as I said before there is an exception to ever rule. If that girl is adamant about not wanting to be in a relationship - this can be for various reasons: she is healing from a past relationship, focused on her career and only her career, or knows she is leaving the area soon - then this friendship may work. But for the most part this relationship is dangerous.

If that girl and that guy have no attraction to one another then I think the friendship can work; or if there is a 3rd party, like your best friends boyfriend/husband. Now, you may be arguing with me right now or you are trying to think of all your guy friends, but come on ladies, be honest with yourself. We've all seen "When Harry met Sally" or Ross and Rachel from "Friends." If you are hanging out with a guy and sharing intimate details of your life with him and there is any sort of attraction, you will find yourself falling in love with him.

For all you guys reading this blog keep this fact in mind. If you know she likes you and you take it to that level without wanting anything in return, then you share some of the blame!!!!!