Expert says opposite-sex friendships often begin with hidden romantic undertones

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 21:08 · Archive

Relationship expert Susan Trombetti says most opposite-sex friendships begin with an underlying sexual or romantic interest.

The question of whether men and women can remain 'just friends' drew fresh attention when Jenny McCarthy and her husband Donnie Wahlberg recently discussed on her podcast whether having an attractive male friend crosses a line.

According to Susan Trombetti, a relationship expert and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking in Maryland, attraction alone does not necessarily threaten a friendship. However, unspoken feelings and growing emotional intimacy can blur boundaries. Trombetti told Fox News Digital: 'I think we can be friends with hot people … but a lot of times, I believe that friendship started with a sexual interest or romantic interest, and the timing wasn't right or the other person wasn't interested in them.'

Trombetti stated that most opposite-sex friendships begin with an underlying sexual or romantic undertone. 'I don't think women and men can ever truly be friends,' she said. 'I think it was always a sexual undertone that sparked the friendship and a foot-in-the-door for something more, [even if] it's 20 years from now.'

Trombetti distinguished between recognising someone as attractive and developing a romantic connection, noting that finding a friend attractive does not in itself constitute infidelity. The concern arises when that awareness transforms into an emotional affair. She warned that the line between attraction and an emotional affair is 'a slippery slope, especially if you have a partner'.

How it is being reported

• Can women be friends with a hot guy without being romantic? Expert weighs inMost opposite-sex friendships begin with a sexual or romantic undertone, says relationship expertNew York Post · 31 Oct, 20:59
• Can a woman be friends with a hot guy without being romantic? Expert pinpoints warning signsThe Nora Ephron debate from "When Harry Met Sally" resurfaces as an expert reveals when platonic friendships quietly become emotional affairs.Fox News · 31 Oct, 14:57

In this story: Jenny McCarthy · Donnie Wahlberg · Susan Trombetti · Exclusive Matchmaking · Maryland

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