Keep your friends close and your mate closer
Having a friendship with someone of the opposite sex while in a relationship can be tricky if clear boundaries are not set from the beginning. Sure, it is possible for a man and woman to be great friends, but the line between friendship and intimacy can get blurred easily.
So ensure that you take the following steps to safeguard both your intimate relationship and your platonic friendships.
1. Respect each other’s lives
It is totally unacceptable to believe that you are a priority when you see your friend (male/female) with their significant other. For example, when a man takes his woman on a date, it is not okay for his female best friend to show up and believe it is okay to be a part of the dining experience. That is disrespectful and also sends the wrong message to his significant other. Equally, ladies, it is not okay for your guy friend to believe he can call you or show up at any time of the night when you are involved in a relationship. It will give the wrong impression to the man you are with.
2. Let’s not get physical
Keep the touchy-feely interactions to a minimum. It is okay to hug a friend, and a friendly kiss on the cheek is cute, but back rubs and forehead kisses are not. A friend must be treated like a friend and not like an intimate partner.
3. Limit quality time spent together
It is perfectly okay to spend time with those who are special in your life. What is unacceptable is when your friends get all the time you should be investing in your actual partner or a potential partner. The more time spent together, the more dangerous it can get as both parties will get more and more attached.
