:dancing-banana:In general, it can be too much of a temptation for a married man, especially, to have a female friend. If she is friends with the man AND his wife AS A COUPLE, and they socialize in that manner, then it is acceptable. The younger and closer in age, the more danger in such a relationship. Under no circuŠ¼stance should a married person spend time alone with a "friend" of the opposite gender. Even if there is no improper attraction, it gives the appearance of evil and could result in scandal. There are a few situations where it might be okay, ie. I've driven my friend's husband to a doctor's appointment because he wasn't allowed to drive after surgery and my friend, his wife, was home with a sick baby. "John" rode in the back seat where he could stretch out his leg. I suppose someone could have seen us together and come to the wrong conclusion, but this was a case of necessity. We certainly did not behave in such a way as to give the wrong idea. If someone had made such an accusation, I'd have told him to "get his mind out of the gutter." For John and I to plan to go to lunch together would be most inappropriate. For the three of us to plan to go out is acceptable.
As for people who hug and smooch in the workplace, it is unprofessional, even if between a husband and wife working in the same place. Intimate behavior should be kept private out of consideration for others. Some people are culturally or temperamentally more physical than others. One has to adapt to the prevailing culture to a point. But if you are speaking of kisses on the lips, full or prolonged body hugs--not at work and not in public.
Find another way to convey affection. I was recently happy to see Bp. Williamson, but I didn't hug him! Kissing his ring was enough. Fr. Pfeiffer's Mom gave him a motherly peck on the cheek before going their separate ways for the evening after Saturday's conferences. Nothing wrong with that. :baby:
Topic: Can Men and Women be friends? (Read 8686 times)