Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Don't cross the lines of friendship

Free

Space A column by

the staff of Freestyle

When we were little girls, some of us thought boys were gross.

We were raised to hang out with our girlfriends and do all the things little girls were meant to do.

As for boys, some of them thought girls were gross. They wanted to hang out with their guy friends and do whatever guys were meant to do.

Obviously, that mentality changed for some as we grew up. Boys and girls intermingled, and started to form relationships.

We all want to know who likes whom, who is dating whom, etc. But what about friends? Can you be a girl, and have a best friend of the opposite sex? Can you keep away from "feelings" for each other?

I would have to say yes, boys and girls can absolutely stay friends.

But if one person likes the other? Won't that ruin the friendship? It seems like more often than not, that is the case. And having a relationship that ends badly can definitely end a friendship for good. It can also add a certain awkwardness if you hang around the same group of people.

The only solution is to determine on your own what is more important -- keeping a friend or having a boyfriend/girlfriend.

Friendship can last forever if you're friends with the right person.

When you're young, relationships are most times very short-lived. But if you both like each other, it should be worth trying. Just explain that if anything ever happens, you would like to stay friends. All that we can do is hope for the best.

However, if you can put any romantic feelings aside, I would have to say guys make awesome best friends.

Girls can be known for starting drama; guys are more laid-back and make pretty good listeners. With some girls, it can be hard to know whom you can and cannot trust.

Keep your guy friends as close as you would one of your girlfriends and they will give you awesome memories you will treasure your whole life.