Whenever we talk about opposite-sex friendships, the differences in the opinions are bound to exist. There are many people like me who strongly believe that this is very much possible whereas many others have their own point of views a lot different from my own self. Those who don’t approve this friendly male-female relationship fondly follow the saying "A male and a female can never be ‘just-friends’ as at least one of them is bound to develop some sort of inner feelings (may be love or lust) for each other."

On the other hand to highlight the point of my like minded people, let me point out my own example. I and Jerusha are friends for almost 16 long years and while I am writing this article, she is sitting beside me. So, if I say that we are just-friends, then I would be lying but at the same time I can assure that there is no hidden feeling developing or ever developed in any of us. We both are married and my wife Christine as well as her husband Alex understands the significance of this opposite-sex friendship. We are not just-friends because we are best friends. But here the question is that how such a friendship can enrich our life.

Well! I honestly feel that opposite-sex friendships can definitely enrich one’s life and I am a perfect example to confirm this belief. Jerusha, definitely is an angel for me; she is extremely supportive and always helps me out, whenever I get in any sort of trouble. All you readers out there would agree with me if I say that friends of the opposite-sex are more understanding than the friends of our same sex. Jerusha also understands me better and marriage has made her more prudent.

I know most of you would be thinking that friendship with the opposite sex after marriage can create some sort of marriage problems. But as long as two friends know there limitations as well as responsibilities (here I mean to say that we don’t sleep with each other as well as understand our responsibilities towards our spouses), then there is absolutely no chance of any trouble in our happy married life (and for that we love our spouses more than anything else). Also, if anyone deserves the credit for making me understand my wife and strengthen my married life then it is none other than Jerusha. Yes! To understand any person of the opposite sex, we need to have a friend of that sex. This type of friendship is very much essential for getting wisdom and I sincerely feel that it that much needed prudence to understand the opposite-sex.

The greatest thing that one can get from the friendly man-woman relationship is that one becomes more confident. When I was a kid I used to feel a bit of shyness in talking to girls, but as I met Jerusha in college, she helped me a lot in removing any sort of hesitation. Thus, I can assure you that a healthy friendship with a person of the opposite sex plays a significant role in enriching one’s life. Jerusha thanks a lot for being My Best friend.

Also read what makes a Best Friend and feel free to share your precious comments and experiences.