Would you ask a colleague of the opposite sex

[Sunshineonmywindowmakesmehappylikeishouldbe]

To meet up alone if you had zero interest/attraction? And you're both single?
Different if it's an established friend of years or you're not both single etc.

That's how new friendships start? I have loads of friends of the opposite sex who I've met in a variety of ways over the years..

Why do you keep starting different threads about the same thing? Just ask him if he likes you for goodness sake.

Yes I would. And I would ask if I did have an interest too.

Yes definitely. That’s how you make friends surely? I have loads of friends of the opposite sex I’ve met through work. Some I worked with years ago who I still keep in touch with, have been to their weddings, christenings, birthdays etc.

Nope, despite what people say, a heterosexual man will absolutely not ask a single female work colleague out to grow a platonic friendship. He’s after something from you…he might be attracted to you or want to network, gain some knowledge / insight about work etc.

This has absolutely not been my experience, or the experience of my friends and colleagues.

i would like to with a couple of people i know, but then its the line of being professional and keeping business separate,

Yep.

If we had a joint interest or there was a specific reason. I don't think I'd ask someone to just go for a drink one on one .

LOL. This is absolute nonsense.

Is there a difference between men and women? Do you think men are often likely to ask women to meet alone without it meaning anything at all?

What kind of answer are you looking for now that you didn't get from the last two threads on the subject, @Sunshineonmywindowmakesmehappylikeishouldbe ?

I am just asking what people think in general.

Im a bit confused by the second part.

But would I meet up with someone of the opposite sex, that was not attracted to, just for the hell of it?

Yes. Absolutely. Have done many times and would still. I don’t want to fuck every member of the opposite sex.

How depressing to see that people in 2024 cannot see that men and women can absolutely be 100% just friends without any motive 🙄

Yes if I thought we needed to discuss work outside of work

I really hope this isn’t some
controlling prick of a boyfriend trying to make his point with his gf.

Or a gf having to prove her innocence to her controlling prick of a boyfriend.

But that does not fit in the the Mumsnet trope that all men are evil rapists

Of course you can meet up. Admittedly I am cantering towards my 60's, and happily married, but I have plenty of male and female friends. Ditto, him indoors. We aren't tied at the hip and happily function as a family at opposite ends of the country.

Maybe it was because I worked in male dominated industries, but I've found it very easy to have platonic friendships.

How can we oldies (or my teen daughter) guide you?

This ☝️

My best workmate friend is a guy. I’m single and in my 40s. He’s married and in his 30s. We car share a couple of days a week. We chat about family, outside interests, holidays, etc. He’s my pal.

Posting again?? Go or don't go. Only you can make up your mind.

Shit better tell my best pal of the last 20 years I'm onto him and his ulterior motive then.

I might yes. If I was at work say and said do you fancy taking lunch together I'd think nothing of it. If we were both single and he suggested we go cinema/for a walk/meal/drink outside of work or usual contact I'd think he might fancy me but nt pressure.
If someone I thought was just being friendly tried to take things further eg tried to kiss me say and got angry that I'd turned him down I'd be angry myself. I wouldn't be gaslight and take the blame even if I was at his apartment watching a movie and drinking.
If it was my partner with someone else I might be a bit jealous. I'm mindful of emotional affairs.
Whats happening? Does that cover it?

Alone in a hotel room? Alone for a cup of coffee or a drink? Alone for a cycle ride? Give us some context. Is he gay ?