They say love is blind, but does it turn a blind eye when opposite-sex friendship affects romance? Best believe that when you become committed to your partner, their happiness depends on your actions and vice versa. Being in a monogamous relationship means you have pledged loyalty to each other, but does that stop you from friendship with the opposite sex?
If you are not in an abusive relationship, dealing with opposite-sex friendships must arise. Both parties may already have opposite-sex co-workers, groups of friends, or acquaintances, and dating would not be a reason to forgo such ties. This leaves you wondering how to maneuver opposite-sex friendship in a relationship. Here are some tips from The Guardian.
Opposite-Sex Friendship is Healthy When:
- You create healthy boundaries and do not compromise on them.
- Your lover is acquainted with your friend.
- Rather than share secrets with this opposite-sex friend, make your partner your best friend forever (BFF).
- Never opposite-sex friendship override the love you have for your partner.
- Know when to turn down outings from the opposite sex, especially if your lover is against it.
- During the downtime in your romance, do not always run to friends of the opposite sex for consolation.
Once you get familiar with how to balance your romance and an opposite-sex friendship, you will experience a seamless relationship. At the same time, these are vital factors to help you police your friendship with the opposite gender:
Leave once you notice that :
- You rely on your friend of the opposite gender for romantic advice.
- You begin to catch feelings for someone you call “just a friend.”
- You have drawn up a comparison checker, including your friend and lover.
- You have shared intimacy.
In all you do, know when opposite-sex friendship affects your relationship/romance. Apply preventive measures immediately it gets to that point.
