Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting 2699: Cross-Sex Friendships: Hazardous to Your Mental Health? by Dr. Dylan Selterman of Luvze
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Aug 19, 2025 Delve into the intriguing dynamics of cross-sex friendships and their impact on mental health. Discover the benefits, such as unique support and perspectives, along with potential challenges like co-rumination and social stigma. The conversation highlights how having more male friends can sometimes lead to emotional complexities, raising questions about the balance needed for healthier relationships. Mindful communication emerges as a key factor in navigating these friendships.
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Unique Value Of Cross-Sex Friendships
- Cross-sex friendships offer unique perspectives and topics that same-sex friendships don't typically provide.
- Women often find opposite-sex friends caring and confidence-boosting in ways different from female friends.
Attention And Self-Worth Effects
- Opposite-sex friends often provide more undivided attention and perceived support in ways that boost self-worth.
- Those narcissistic benefits may alter confidence and self-perception differently than same-sex friendships.
The Paradox Of Female Friendships
- Female friendships combine high support with high emotional sharing, which can both help and harm mental health.
- Co-rumination—repeatedly discussing negative emotions—can amplify distress despite strong support.