Many Christian faiths are against this as men and women who are unmarried hanging out are not avoiding the "appearance of evil" aka having sex.

I am sure that has an effect overall.

Also jealously can be a factor.

I would love that same kind of friendship. I often wonder why people think having a male friendship needs to involve a physical /sexual / intimate aspect..IT DOES'NT

Why not?? Im sure it happens everywhere..

I have a few too few of such female friends. It makes appreciation of them so much greater knowing how rare they are. One in particular is a best friend relationship as close as it gets without sexual intimacy.

We once had it as well but mutually recognized some differences in living and outlook that weren't a 'fit' at that level.

We are afflicted by religiously and patriarchally based social canon and erroneous notions that prevent both formation and salvation of close heterosexual, platonic friendships.

Barriers can be overcome with honest examination and refusing to allow others who are not part of the friendship to interfere. It's no easy task for those who've already succombed to being 'saddled' and branded.

Some can. There is no reason why not.

I have women friends. In fact, I am more comfortable around women. I find my male friends to be self absorbed. Always talk about their problems. Not as considerate of others. Never got the male bonding thing of going to bars or playing cards.

I had occasion to count up my personal friends yesterday and of the 6 that knock on my door regularly, 4 were women. One is an ex and the rest are platonic. Not saying that I would not if they asked (ex excluded) but no means no and till they change their minds thats how it will stay. This is not an ulterior motive just that if I find a woman attractive, I will tell her so. Its up to her where she takes that.
The most important thing in this is, I enjoy the company of women period. I like to talk and listen to them. They speak so differently than us guys. It is almost like another language. Mens conversation is so easy. Its upfront, out in plain sight, sport, politics etc. Women are much more subtle and personal. It adds another dimension to any subject, which I personally find fascinating.
Bottom line is, if you want women friends, you have to like them for who they are.

Good Luck in your search.

It’s not so much an issue, I just don’t think it’s all to common. I typically see it as men like to spend time with people they have the most in common with and can identify with, other men. While it’s not impossible for women to be included in that, I think men just enjoy the company of someone who isn’t so opposite of them.

Friendship is friendship, it doesn't need to be validated.

as we take down some very ingrained cultural ideals, about everything, including gender,, Things will get better. Many younger people are moving over to having a very close friend in their lives as their 'one human' instead of dating.

when i lived in germany it wasn't an issue at all; there most of my friends were male. since living in australia it doesn't work for me any more - sexism being pretty much in the way of integrity.

I am pretty sure he can, he just have to find her

Only with gay men have I ever truly experienced a "platonic" friendship.
True story.

Most of my friends are male and my ex husband had plenty of friends. I personally think it's a non-issue.

It definitely is a slippery slope. I struggled with this in one of my current, closest friendships. What helped was that she already has a boyfriend and that he's actually happy we hang out (long distance relationship dynamic).

In the very beginning, there definitely was an attraction on my part. It ended up being one of the greatest personal growths I've ever had. It forced me to really dig deep about my feelings (I've never told her about them). If anything, the way I see it, I worked hard to convert the attraction I felt into a different, much more platonic kind of love; through it all, I learned there are different kinds of love, and that it is possible (though tricky at first) to just be friends. All in all, as mentioned before, be honest with her, and most importantly yourself through it all.

Hope my half ramble helped a bit

Good question. The parties involved have to make the relationship clear from the beginning and admit if there are any attractions other than platonic.

I think it is only natural for men and women to find some ‘more than friends’ attraction to each other. Obviously sometimes it’s felt more by one than the other. But yes. It’s important to communicate early and as often as required to ensure one is not misenturputing something from the other if one is not interested if becoming more intimate.

I think they can. In fact I think a lot of women would welcome it. However you must mean it, on both sides

I would like the same, but I have found at least in my age groups straight guys don't want to be your friend for just pal around stuff if they don't want to shag you.

I thank everyone for their input to my question.

I am not sure I understand why you want a female friend particularly for the things you list. Does the friend being female make it better or different? Is the difference because of gender and not because of different personalities?
Personally, my closest friends are all male (I am male). I have female friends, but not very close! Often I get attracted to them and know that they are unavailable and so I maintain a distance. If I don't get attracted to them, there is probably not enough between us to maintain a close friendship. I think that is how it works for me, but I might be wrong.

I have not spent any considerable time with anyone over the last 5 years. I can say that having a woman friend just to rationalize some things would be a welcomed normalcy.

I have had a few male friends, have one now but I know if I said lets take it further he would. But we have a good friendship.

Men and women can be friends. Believe it or not, not every woman out there is out for a relationship. I'd love to meet a guy to just pal around with.