My wife has always been ok with me having female friends, but I realized after getting married that I'd rather spend most of my time with guys anyways, so it's mostly a non-issue.
The question seems to presuppose your romantic relationship is with someone of the opposite gender. Having friends of the opposite gender may be an entirely different proposition if your romantic relationship is same-gender given the assumption that in a heterosexual relationship one or the other partner would have problems with these opposite-gender friendships, viewing them as potential rivals.
With that out of the way, I don't have a problem with my wife having male friends. She actually has none, but if so, I would be supportive especially in light of most of my closest friends being female.
KurobuneMAR. 01, 2016 - 04:06PM JST
@Wc626 - No need to protect your cell phone unless you are up to no good !
I am far too boring to be up to no good, but I protect my phone on the principle that anyone who trusts me so little that she feels she has to violate my privacy is not someone I want to waste any time on.
I've never had the slightest trouble keeping friends, even close friends of the opposite sex while involved with anyone... in the US. In Japan, it's a different story.
I went out with women who got jealous if I had female friends. The jealous types are a waste of time for me. I've met men and women who love their partner's mad jealously or even outright bans on friends of the opposite sex. Creepy, insecure and childish for me but each to his or her own.
garfield: "So if your wife fulfills your emotional needs I don't think you will be too inclined or curious to have friends from opposite sex. Just my perception."
Utter nonsense. I sometimes meet my British female friend, the wife of an ex-coworker, for a good conversation about football, music and idiot British politicians. Three subjects I love and my British wife isn't too interested in. The fact that my friend is female is irrelevant.
Difficult, even with a trusting partner in marriage there can and often times will always be some doubt and/or jealousy.
Best way I've found is to first introduce the two to each other and maybe see if they hit it off as friends, even if they don't if they see whom you're hanging out with and learn more about them they often times trust you and them more than if it's someone they've never met or had a chance to get to know.
The thing about gay men and friendships with women is that we can listen to them and engage them, and women know we are not actually looking for "friendships with benefits".
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Aly Rustom
Depends on how emotionally mature your partner is
nath
My wife has always been ok with me having female friends, but I realized after getting married that I'd rather spend most of my time with guys anyways, so it's mostly a non-issue.
garfield1275
Women in general are emotionally far superior to men.
So if your wife fulfills your emotional needs I don't think you will be too inclined or curious to have friends from opposite sex. Just my perception.
Commodore Shmidlap (Retired)
The question seems to presuppose your romantic relationship is with someone of the opposite gender. Having friends of the opposite gender may be an entirely different proposition if your romantic relationship is same-gender given the assumption that in a heterosexual relationship one or the other partner would have problems with these opposite-gender friendships, viewing them as potential rivals.
With that out of the way, I don't have a problem with my wife having male friends. She actually has none, but if so, I would be supportive especially in light of most of my closest friends being female.
Wc626
Depends on if she's the jealous type or her x (before you) has cheated on her. Protect your cell phone and everything will be fine.
Oh, Pie!
As a guy, it's not hard at all.
kurisupisu
Not dificult at all....
SenseNotSoCommon
Depends on the quality of the relationship.
If it's a celibate relationship masquerading as a marriage, then it might be difficult.
Kurobune
@Wc626 - No need to protect your cell phone unless you are up to no good !
katsu78
I am far too boring to be up to no good, but I protect my phone on the principle that anyone who trusts me so little that she feels she has to violate my privacy is not someone I want to waste any time on.
I've never had the slightest trouble keeping friends, even close friends of the opposite sex while involved with anyone... in the US. In Japan, it's a different story.
Jimizo
I went out with women who got jealous if I had female friends. The jealous types are a waste of time for me. I've met men and women who love their partner's mad jealously or even outright bans on friends of the opposite sex. Creepy, insecure and childish for me but each to his or her own.
garfield: "So if your wife fulfills your emotional needs I don't think you will be too inclined or curious to have friends from opposite sex. Just my perception."
Utter nonsense. I sometimes meet my British female friend, the wife of an ex-coworker, for a good conversation about football, music and idiot British politicians. Three subjects I love and my British wife isn't too interested in. The fact that my friend is female is irrelevant.
gokai_wo_maneku
Well, for a totally gay couple like me and my partner of 15 years, having friendships with women is no problem.
nath
Some gay guys are better than others at being friends with women.
lostrune2
Not difficult to have sex opposite close friends
Bernd Laurent
Believe me, extreme jealousy is not love, it's more akin to an addiction. These people need professional help.
Wc626
LoL. Cell phones hold jackpots of information. Look at how the FBI has subpoena Apple.
Well, I'd be very difficult if you were in a romantic relationship and then "she" suddenly found lots of women in in ur phones's contacts.
Abhorsenaube
^^WAY off in left field their buddy....
Difficult, even with a trusting partner in marriage there can and often times will always be some doubt and/or jealousy.
Best way I've found is to first introduce the two to each other and maybe see if they hit it off as friends, even if they don't if they see whom you're hanging out with and learn more about them they often times trust you and them more than if it's someone they've never met or had a chance to get to know.
gokai_wo_maneku
The thing about gay men and friendships with women is that we can listen to them and engage them, and women know we are not actually looking for "friendships with benefits".