Putting Down Our Weapons In The Battle Of The Sexes

Do you remember, long ago, when our friends were both boys and girls? We liked someone because they were nice and romance consisted of shared secrets and playing with one another on the playground. Our differences made the friendships more interesting and fun. Were we taught or did we decide to objectify the opposite sex? Wouldn't you like to recapture those heady days of unconditional love? You can.

It sounds great, but how do we do that? For starters, we take back our right to befriend whomever we like. Maybe we don't want to hurt our romantic partner. Maybe we don't want others to assume we're fooling around or, afraid we might. Perhaps we believe men/women are too different to create a worthwhile relationship. Keeping an open mind and facing these fears courageously help us return to those rich relationships of our youth.

Once we start quietly and confidently taking a stand, with time, the people who love us adjust as well. When we remember to have compassion towards our own and others' fears and conflicts, the shift goes smoother. It's important to thoughtfully discern what, who, and how much we share with the people around us. Not everyone will get it and some never will- sure that men and women can never have platonic friendships especially amidst sexual tension. So be smart, be courageous, be confident. Men and women offer so much to one another, it's a shame to walk away from such a beautiful, meaning-filled life because we're scared.