We really are just ‘friends’

 

Matt Dearman and I are not dating! And neither are me and Kyle or me and Stephen or me and that guy in my political science class.

Contrary to popular belief, we are all just friends.

This public service announcement is being made for all those guy-girl friendships that have survived the rumors and assumptions that happen any time you’ve shown up together or been seen walking around campus.

Remember in middle school when you talked to that boy or girl and everyone thought you liked him? Nope, he or she couldn’t just be your friend.

You definitely were in love with them.

Funny thing is even now in college, those times haven’t changed a bit.

That’s right, you can be friends with the opposite sex. These relationships are not a myth. And I have proof.

I have a few good guy friends who I hang out with a lot, and having people who see us together ask if we’re dating is a daily occurrence.

And if you have asked me about any of these guys, you’ve probably gotten a laugh or a joke about getting nauseous after hearing such an absurd thing.

Not because they aren’t great guys, but because there are some guys that you will always be “just friends” with. 

I can’t blame them for asking, though.

Journalism has trained me to be blunt and ask the awkward questions without even blinking. So, I will be the first to admit that “Are y’all dating?” is a typical first or second question I ask.

But if you’ve asked a million times and are waiting for the answer to change, don’t hold your breath (Yeah, I’m talking to you, Amber Miles!). Platonic friendships are possible.

Some call it that brother-sister relationship which I would like to think I am queen of. Does anyone actually find the term “little sister” endearing? 

It is not exactly what girls wait their whole lives to hear, but I have learned to cherish the title that used to make me twitch.

Since I don’t have an older brother, I have found a lot of comfort in friendships that tend to fit this role.

You can tease each other without getting offended, talk about the awkward stuff without wanting to cry from being uncomfortable and have some one who is always there to depend on.

They give you the comfort of family when you’re far from home.

Plus who can give better advice about guys than other guys? 

These friendships are not just fun but necessary. Let others assume what they must because many times saying you’re “just friends” does little more than stir the pot anyway.

Even if I’m the only person on earth who believes that I’m “just not that into” him, that’s enough for me.

 

Valerie Metrejean is a junior journalism major from Lafayette and serves as news editor for The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to   vmm008@latech.edu.