Thanks for your perspective. I’d argue that having a wife does not mean someone doesn’t have wider problematic views on women, just as having a friend of color doesn’t mean you’re not racist.

My article never laid out that people of any gender can’t seek out sexual relationships with women. I also never laid out that men (nor women) can’t decide the confines or needs of their relationships. Everyone has that right.

I’m extending an additional option — keep women, even those you might find attractive, as friends, and learn to see them as humans regardless of how they look or might act in bed. Men who are taught to over-sexualize women throughout their lives (or treat them inherently “differently,” which is a covert way of saying the same thing) see this as radical. Men who are raised or develop meaningful non-sexual relationships with women do not.

You’re right, business relationships and friendly relationships differ. But the “Pence Rule” you follow, at least in most common applications, applies to women (in your case) in any setting. This is has been widely criticized as harmful particularly in business settings — how can a woman ever hope of receiving (or granting) business opportunities like raises, positive critique, and mentorship when this door is shut for them, while their male counterparts can enjoy one-on-one fruitful positive relationships?

You may see my viewpoint as irritating at best, societally apocalyptic at worst. But I also validly see yours as antiquated at best, misogynistic at worst. Considering your female acquaintances “friends” in group settings but “temptresses” in private is genuinely offensive to both the men and the women involved. If this is your viewpoint and your female friends consent to it, more power to you all. But I’ll still maintain mine, and hope to push the needle for more men and women to see and respect each other as people.