To think a man and a woman can have a platonic relationship?

[Magenta999]

I met my best friend at work 8 years ago who happens to be a man who is in a relationship. Out of the blue he declared he wants to split with his partner and be in a relationship with me. I did not see this coming at all. His partner has told him he now needs to cut all ties with me. Im now blocked. I've lost my best friend overnight and its a huge shock to the system. I appreciate people will not understand where I'm coming from but I was genuinely hand on heart his friend

I think it is rare but definitely possible. I have just one close friend of the opposite gender who I have achieved this with (and we are both heterosexual). I know that there are no romantic feelings there on either side. But I do think that is quite special and uncommon.

In my experience, more often than not, one side has some kind of feelings for the other, even if they are unrequited/ undisclosed.

@Magenta999

Of course men and women can be friends.