I’m not denying that this is your reality, and that of some people you have in your circle of friends and acquaintances. However, I have male and female acquaintances and friends who read through the comments I receive here and laugh at these notions that they somehow can’t have platonic, satisfying friendships and professional relationships with the opposite sex. I don’t mean this to be offensive, but it is worth acknowledging that not everyone agrees with that, calling the “universal biology” argument into question.

As I sift through these comments, most coming from very similar individuals, I wonder if this is actually a generational cultural phenomenon after all.

Keep in mind that yes, we are a sexual species, but so is every other species on this planet— what is different about humans that might be our edge? I’d argue it’s our ability to forge bonds and camaraderie with others, building on shared knowledge in a non-sexual but overall productive and fulfilling way.