I used to think that heterosexual men and women could be friends, but that was some time ago. I did actually do the just friends thing back then, but eventually – and it can take many years – you discover that there was a supressed desire for more from one or even both parties. There are always outliers, but that’s not a reason to build a life around them.
Of course, on the rare occasion that a heterosexual man and woman are truly platonic friends, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be problems – partners. And you covered this, so I won’t go into details other than we have a different take. To me, it’s fluffy liberal ideology to go along with this. I am not saying you need to do as I say. On the contrary, if it works for you, it works for you. And, if it doesn’t work out further down the line, I don’t care either.
From one of your posts, you said you wouldn’t be willing to cut her out of your life, but would you choose a plutonic friendship over a good wife? But please, not the cliché that someone who loves you wouldn’t ask that of you.
For me, being clear about boundaries is important. Applying the rule that heterosexual men and women cannot be friends, helps with appropriate boundaries. If you are about the traditional family model and have pledged to a monogamous relationship, this boundary will serve you well. A good wife is likely to have the same boundaries too. Observing others, you see evidence of this too.
