Good Morning Gloucester

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

One of my best friends in the entire world has a penis.

I could stop this post there and assume you know what I’m getting at…but, for fear you’ll misinterpret my meaning, I’ll go on.

One of my very best friends is a boy.

That may not seem blog worthy to you, but as of late I’ve been wondering how many others out there have a best friend of the opposite sex.

This friend and I have been close for almost 20 years and he means the world to me.  I’m not going to lie, in the very beginning we toyed with the idea of being more than friends, but never much did.

One night, a few years into our friendship, we were out together on Christmas Eve and he introduced me to the man who is now my husband of 13 years and the father to our two sons.

My friend is still an amazing friend and I treasure his presence in my life in ways that are kind of hard to explain.  I know he’d do anything for me and he’s brutally honest in ways that are totally refreshing.  He’s one of the most generous people people I’ve ever met…and the laughing that comes when we’re together is priceless to me.  Really, truly, priceless.

He goes away for long periods of time for work and we go months (or even longer) without seeing each other, but when he comes home I’m beyond thrilled to see him.  Through the years he’s had a fair share of long term relationships….and I’ve met them all.  Some embraced me as his good friend, sometimes realizing that befriending me was as a hall pass of sorts….some didn’t quite understand and never much liked me.  Bygones.

My husband is supportive (well, maybe tolerant is a better adjective) because I think he really understands that this friendship is something that I need and cherish…even if I can’t so eloquently explain why.  But, I am well aware, it is a luxury that he is tolerant as most others raise an eyebrow and find it more than a bit strange.

Sometimes I understand why others find it strange….sometimes I don’t.  To be blunt, the fact that he has a penis doesn’t mean I’m going to see it any more than the fact that my girlfriends having boobies and a vagina means that I’m going to be seeing those.  I have plenty of girlfriends whose private parts I’ve certainly never seen.  Right?

So, I ask you, can men and women just be friends?  When Harry Met Sally tells us “no”, but I think “yes”.

Comment please if you do indeed (or ever have had) a good friend of the opposite sex and take the poll to add your opinion.