A sexologist spoke about the impact of gender differences on friendships

Friendship between a man and a woman is possible as an exception if both have a low level of sexual desire. This opinion was expressed by psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and sexologist Alexey Vilkov in a conversation with Izvestia.

"When people have low sexual desire, platonic relationships come to the fore. In this case, common spiritual interests and values, views, and a combination of characters are important for communication," he explained.

If the component of ordinary friendly communication prevails, and sexual attraction does not interfere, then, according to the expert, the friendship between a man and a woman will be strong and long.

"Sooner or later, sexual sympathy will manifest itself if one of the two has a reaction to the opposite sex that still overcomes the platonic relationship. At first, a person will try to suppress or displace attraction for the sake of pure friendship, but sooner or later interests shift towards falling in love," said the sexologist.

This can lead to conflict or friendship fading if the other person is not ready to change anything in the established relationship, the editorial source admitted.

"But if the partners have the same three "components" — romance, platonic feeling and sexual attraction — then a couple will form," said Vilkov.

Read more in the Izvestia article:

Comrade, believe me: is there friendship between a man and a woman