Cross-Sex Friendships
Introduction
Friendships are an integral part of an individuals’ life. “We yearn for friendships because they meet our material needs by giving us help and support, friends meet our cognitive needs by supplying stimulation by way of shared experiences, activities, exchange of ideas, views, and gossip and finally, friends meet social-emotional needs by providing love and esteem (Lenton, A.P. and Webber, L., 2006). As friendships of the same-sex allow a relatable source which emotions and convictions can be relayed to, the opposite sex allows for a different nature of comfort which creates a unique bond.
Because cross-sex friendships have been grouped and researched as romantic relationships (Gaines, S.O. Jr., 1994), there is little information as to how these unique friendships progress. Various turning points may make or break a cross-sex friendship. Based on how the diverse turning points are handled, the outcome of the friendship can be altered. A blurred line between friend and romantic partner or a fulfilling friendship can transpire. Therefore, both the process and occurrence of turning points can affect the progress of a developing cross-sex friendship.
Literature Review
Relational Development
Complications can take place during the development of a cross-sex friendship. Awkward situations occur because of the “ambiguity about the potential romantic or sexual nature of the relationship” (Guerro, L.K. and Chavez, A.M., 2005). The nature of female-male relationships begins with sexual attraction, “It is the sexual drive in early adolescence that promotes the establishment of cross-sex friendships” (Gains, S. O. Jr., 1994). After the friendship is established, relational maintenance is a key factor in the success of the friendship. Turning points take an active role in the development of the relationship, by participating in shared activities, self disclosure, social networking, and supportiveness, cross-sex...