The age-old question that resonates through the romantic comedy "When Harry met Sally" is can men and women be friends? In the movie, Billy Crystal states that the problem with male and female relationships is the sexual tension which lies between them and makes it impossible to maintain a friendship. The movie also states that once a man and woman succumb to their desire for one another, the friendship is lost. So is that true here at Notre Dame and Saint Mary's?

On the surface — no way. Both myself and Scott quoted "the friend" as a category of the opposite sex — a great person to hang out with, the one you call with problems, complimenting your personality — but of no sexual interest. All of the men and women here have many friends of the opposite sex — the friends in class, the drinking buddies, the advice givers and so on. The question still remains: Are we on some level sexually attracted to our friends?

It stands to reason that certain relationships begin on the basis of physical attraction. However, many of these evolve into friendships that are unconnected to that original attraction.

There are some friendships, though, that begin for more ambiguous reasons but lead to a more intimate relationship. This does not necessarily disrupt the original friendship.

To complicate the situation even further, some individuals are "hook-up buddies." These friendships are composed of people who have a physical relationship but are able to maintain a separate, unaffected friendship.

So my final answer: YES, men and women can be friends without sex or desire getting in the way. However, isn't a good friendship with a little lovin' on the side the perfect relationship?

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