Why Do People Assume a Guy and a Girl Can't Just Be Friends?

A woman recently asked me something after getting tired of hearing the same comment over and over again. She has a close male friend she's known for years. Every time they post a photo together, hang out, or mention each other, someone asks when they're finally going to start dating. The funny part is that neither of them has ever wanted that. They became friends through a shared hobby and clicked immediately. Not because there was attraction, but because they genuinely enjoyed each other's company. Over the years, they've supported each other through breakups, career changes, family issues, and all the random ups and downs of life. Yet people still assume there must be something romantic happening. That got me thinking. Why is it so hard for some people to believe that a man and a woman can have a meaningful connection without romance being involved? Not every strong bond is a love story. Sometimes a friend is just a friend. Sometimes the person who understands you best is someone you'd never want to date and who would never want to date you. In fact, some friendships last precisely because there's no romantic pressure attached to them. There's just trust, respect, shared experiences, and the freedom to be completely yourself. Of course, friendships can sometimes develop into something more. But I don't think that's proof that men and women can't be friends. I think it's proof that every friendship is different. The healthiest friendships aren't defined by gender. They're defined by mutual respect, clear boundaries, and wanting the same kind of connection. What do you think? Can men and women truly be just friends, or does one person usually end up wanting more?