1. Friends or Lovers?

2. Survey
Can men and women ever just be friends?

3. Keiko and Akira’s Situation
While listening complete the questions on page 15

4. Think, Write, Share
I think it is difficult for men an women to be just friends because...
Men and women can be just friends if…
Men and women can’t be just friends if…
The pros of dating a friend are…
The cons of dating a friend are…
The best things about having a friend of the opposite sex are…

5. Student’s Opinions

6. How to Be Just Friends with a Member of the Opposite Sex

7. Introduction
With men and women intermingling in various circles of life that were gender-specific in the past (home, the workplace, sports, school), people of the opposite sex are discovering new common ground and more reasons to be friends.
But with the media constantly showing male/female friendships evolving into romantic relationships, many are convinced that a long-term, truly platonic friendship between individuals of the opposite sex just isn't possible.
Romantic interest, physical attraction and sometimes, the jealousy of significant others can threaten to sabotage a cross-gender friendship. However, those risks can be circumvented by setting boundaries from the start. It's tricky, but it can be done.

8. Words Intermingle (v)- mix/blend
The intermingling of cultures is more and more common these days
platonic (adj)- non-sexual/ friends only
Many men and women claim that platonic relationships are possible between sexes.
sabotage (v)- deliberately destroy, damage
I am going to sabotage his relationship by telling her boyfriend that she is cheating on him.
circumvent (v)- avoid, go around
If someone you are not interested in asks you out on a date, a good way to circumvent the situation is to tell them you have a boyfriend/girlfriend.

9. Final Reflection
Do you believe men and women can be just friends? Why or why not?
Would you date a friend? Why or why not?