Monday, September 13, 2010

The Boy Friend Project. Day 5.

Although this topic can be incredibly complex and very interesting, we are almost out of questions for the men. To review questions already discussed, check back here.

I think the following 2 questions are actually really important. Women rely a lot on men to prove their friendship, and I think it's important to ask how we can be better friends to them. But first...the most important question, of all.....

Do men REALLY want to be friends with women? REALLY?

Steve - Some do and some don't. I will never turn a potential friend away. You can't have too many of them in life.

David - Yes. YES.

Mark - Nope. Sex is on the brain 24/7. Unless you're ugly--then they won't think of sex and they won't think of being your friend.

Scott - Yes, I really want to be friends with women, just like I want to be friends with a gay person, an elderly person or a very young person.

Randy - YES. REALLY. We are not always looking for sex. We can be friends with a woman and often befriend a woman for many of the reasons we've already talked about.

Hayden - All men with all women. Nope. But a few really get a kick out of spending time with a few. The rest suck.

Charlie - Honestly, I don't know. I definitely want to be friends with women. (But) everywhere you go, you still see the gross objectification of women and every conversation you hear eventually touches on the topic of "the girl I was banging last night." I hate to say it, but that's all most guys think about these days, or so it seems. So, do they want to be friends? I have to say no. 

Will - Most women I've wanted to be friends with only to get in their pants. But I didn't choose them for friends on anything other than looks.

Justin - Sure they do. Men wouldn't be able to survive with just themselves, despite what they say. I, for one appreciate all the female friends I have because they provide a perspective more rational and in tune with what is realistic and what I need to hear than what most men will say, which is emotionally charged and erratic. 

What should women know about being better friends to men? What are the qualities you look for in a friendship with a woman?

Randy - It depends on the basis of the relationship; season, reason or lifetime. I look for a woman who is a good listener, someone who is laid back, non judgmental, smart and witty. I look for someone who can teach me or offer different views on certain subjects.

Scott - Just because a guy talks about his feelings with a woman does not mean that he wants to be her boyfriend. The friendship usually happens on it's own as I am not actively looking for more friends, but when it happens it's because we like the same music, like technology, she is self employed, or I see her a lot because we are neighbors and just click.

Hayden - Acting on stereotypes is ridiculous. Not all men think a woman belching or talking about football is sexy on it's own. It's not that she likes football. It's that she's afraid to be herself and passions happen to align.

Will - Take your tops off more often. ;)

Charlie - Be patient with us. As far as we've come, we still have a long way to go. We are going to be stubborn, pig-headed, vulgar, obnoxious, and all sorts of "un-lovable" things, but you ladies have to remember we're hardwired for that. Love us for our charms and our flaws. As to what qualities I look for in a woman...stimulation and intelligence are key. I have zero tolerance for "bubbleheads". A woman ( or anyone for that matter) needs to constantly challenge me, inspire me, converse with me.

Steve - Be straight forward about what you want or expect. I just like authentically cool people.

Justin - Don't be fake. Don't be superficial. Tell us like it is. I can't speak for all men, but I can't stand a friend who acts one way with you but then talks about you behind your back. Genuineness is one of the few mandatory traits, after that the rest is up to them.

David - We all don't want to f*ck you. That's what you need to know. Qualities I look for are availabilty, good communicators, loyal and humorous people who laugh lots and enjoy life!

Mark - Don't play the delicate and confused game. That annoys me. Women are told somewhere in the 3rd grade, or in the womb, that men like a delicate and dumb gal, so they play the game to snag one. Be bold, be strong, be you. In the end, the bait and switch never works. If you're Angelina Jolie, be proud.

So, there you have it. Or part of "it" any way. Men and Women CAN be friends. And good ones, at that. Men are really pretty honest when asked what they want. I think women need to practice really hearing what men say. They are pretty straightforward, as proven by the answers these great guys have provided us with. It's important to discuss your expectations with one another to ensure you're on the same page before getting too involved in a relationship with the opposite sex.

I really want to thank everyone who read, and shared these posts through retweeting on Twitter. The feedback I did get was positive. I would encourage men and women to make a comment on your overall thoughts and any perspective or surprises you came across. The men involved took the time to be open and honest with us, I'm sure they'd appreciate your feedback, too.

I thoroughly enjoyed putting this together. If anyone has further questions, or ideas on other topics we can cover with regards to men, women, or relationships in general, please let me know!

2 comments:

  1. I am thinking, gay men make the best friends for Women.

    BTW:I'm sorry I have only just seen your comment (you left at my place/in my space), in 'spam'.I disabled my 'Blog' for a time, due to personal reasons, that's probablt why you had trouble finding me, before now.

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  2. hmm, well hun... glad we have young adults still working on this theory. haha As for me, I have succumb to "it is what it is" okayee and my theory is relationships suck. But I don't mean to burst any flying balloons. Carry on...

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