A Nigerian man has ignited widespread debate on social media after asserting that men and women cannot maintain a purely platonic “best friendship” without emotional consequences.
The controversial opinion, shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions from supporters and critics alike. According to the man, close friendships between men and women often threaten romantic relationships, eventually leading to heartbreak, mistrust, or public embarrassment.
In his post, he warned women in particular against keeping close male friends while in committed relationships, arguing that emotional boundaries are rarely maintained over time.
“Women need to understand this because it affects their relationship more,” he wrote. “Men and women can NEVER be ‘just (best) friends.’ It is impossible. One person will always catch feelings.”
He further described a familiar scenario where a male “best friend” becomes deeply involved in a woman’s emotional life.
“You keep that one male ‘bestie’ who listens to all your problems, shows up when your man doesn’t, knows everything about you that your man doesn’t even know about,” he said.
“You swear it’s platonic. Then one day he confesses. Or you start seeing him differently. Or your boyfriend finds the messages. Relationship scatters. You come online crying, acting shocked. Your eye don clear now? Stop the delusion before it costs you everything.”
Mixed Reactions From Social Media Users
The post triggered intense discussions online, with many users agreeing that opposite-gender friendships can blur emotional boundaries, especially during difficult moments in romantic relationships.
One user, Ayo, supported the argument, stating:
“The moment trouble hits the relationship, that ‘friend’ becomes an option, not by accident, but by design. This isn’t about control or jealousy. It’s about boundaries.”
Another commenter, Gafar, took a stronger stance, alleging that such friendships sometimes become intimate.
“I have said this countless times to any woman that cares to listen,” he wrote. “Most of them will deny the fact that they at some point catch feelings and sometimes even become friends with benefits with their so-called bestie.”
Others emphasized that romantic partners should be each other’s primary emotional support.
Aktar commented:
“THIS is what I’m ALWAYS trying to explain to people! Your spouse or partner should be your best friend—even above your female friends. If you still need males to boost your ego, you shouldn’t be attached, especially married.”
Some reactions were more blunt. Arakunrim wrote:
“No man should tolerate such nonsense from any woman.”
Despite the criticism, many users pushed back against the generalization, arguing that mature adults can maintain healthy, platonic friendships regardless of gender.
As the debate continues, the post has once again highlighted the ongoing conversation around trust, boundaries, and emotional intimacy in modern relationships—especially within Nigeria’s social media space.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
