More than Friends? Getting Real about Friends of the Opposite Sex While Married - Pt. 1

If you're married, can men and women really be just friends? It’s a question as old as time, sparking heated debates at dinner tables, in church lobbies, and—of course—in marriages. Today's episode is a sweet repeat, where I sat down with my good friend and fellow marriage coach, Sylvia Chipman, to unpack this tricky territory: Can you maintain healthy, platonic friendships with the opposite sex after you’re married? Or is it just a slippery slope?

Sylvia and I get real and raw about our own experiences—some wins, some mistakes, and lots of lessons learned in hopes that you'll guard your marriages with intention.

Key Takeaways:

The emotional bonds that can form even if you’re not physically attracted to someone
Why setting healthy boundaries is crucial
How past wounds or histories of infidelity can shape your perspective on friendship with the opposite sex.
We also discuss “situationships,” the slow burn of emotional affairs, and how to spot (and avoid) potential pitfalls in your friendships.

You'll hear practical advice on communicating with your spouse about opposite-sex friends and how to get real with yourself so that you can be real with the true purpose of your friendships.

Whether you believe it’s possible to have platonic friends in marriage or think it’s playing with fire, this episode will make you think twice about this important issue.

This episode originally aired on October 10, 2023.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Want to connect better with your spouse? Learn your "connection style" by taking my partner quiz here.

Looking for a quick but strategic guide in connecting with your spouse? Get my new book, Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples.

Connect with Sylvia and learn about her coaching here.

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