How To Befriend The Opposite Sex | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

How To Befriend The Opposite Sex

582
How To Befriend The Opposite Sex
Pixabay

I know some people believe no friendship exists between men and women (especially when they are both heterosexual), I dare to say no and offer you a guide to make friends with the opposite sex.

I am on the plane to Hawaii to visit one of my best friends, L. I would not hesitate to call him my brother from different parents. Though I am an only-child, I still understand that no one would date their brother! Neither do I; I have absolutely no intention of dating L. Neither does L want to date me (I think it’s probably because I’m too loud to be attractive to him haha).

L and I met at a Christian summer camp working together. We could not be more different from each other (though people constantly ask if we’re siblings, because we’re both Asian and we’re always seen together). I was the loudest girl on staff: my frantic laughter could probably reach the other side of the noisy dining hall; I tried the lamest prank on him yet always ended up (physically) hurting myself; my dorky jokes always made people laugh and cry at the same time; I “intelligently” decided not wearing sunscreen was a good idea and got crispy burnt; my consistent carelessness earned me bruises and cuts all over my body while I was supposed to be the archery range keeper protecting middle-school campers.

On the other hand, L was the quietest boy on staff: he smiles more often than laugh relentlessly; he was usually the target of my never successful pranks; he has the ability to tell jokes with the straightest face you’ll ever see; he always had sunscreen and lotion and urged me to put them on; he was one of the most careful person I’ve ever met. He always said, “Oh Patrice, can you just try not to hurt yourself for one day?”

To be honest, L really intimidated me at first, because he looked so serious all the time. What brought us together was when I shared my life story with a group of summer staff our age. After the meeting, L walked over and said, “Hey, I just want to let you know that I feel really related to your story. And I want you to know that you’re very loved by everyone here.” I was dumbfounded, not just because what he said, but also the fact that he initiated a conversation with me! From that moment on, we formed a pack. Our friendship flourished.

This friendship extended beyond that one summer together. L continued to be a big brother to me. He is one of the most mature boys in our age I’ve ever met. In front of L, I could be absolutely honest. I told him the worst time of my life, the biggest struggles I face, the deepest insecurity I have, the dumbest moments of my life, and the most ridiculous crushes I experienced. He never judged me. He listened when I vented, hugged me when I cried, laughed with me, prayed for me when I felt hopeless and encouraged me to move on and take actions when I felt trapped in dark moments.

All these is to say, L is my best friend with whom I feel safe, but we’re absolutely not romantically or sexually attracted to each other.

So, how do you score yourself a friend of the opposite sex?

  1. Don’t be intimidated by your drastic differences. In fact, embrace these differences, because they may eventually be what draws you towards each other.
  2. Be willing to be vulnerable. No one wants to be friends with someone they don’t know at all. That means, you not only want to share your highlights, but also the dark shadows and biggest mistakes in your life.
  3. Keep conversations going. Don’t allow distance to be your excuse. If you need tips on how to keep a long-distance friendship alive, I’ve got some tips here.
  4. Trust your gut. Have you ever noticed that sometimes your stomach drops when you’re with someone dangerous, while other times, the presence of someone can calm you down? Trust what your body is telling you about the nature of the relationship between you guys.
  5. See the other person as a human being first and foremost. Why do we have to get so hung up on what sex the other person is anyways? We’re all just one of the billions and billions of humans on this earth. Look for our shared emotions before scrutinizing our different anatomical structures.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

195955
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18293
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460436
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28065
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments