Chapter 11 Sample answers for in-book discussion questions

1. Describe the similarities and differences between same-sex friendships, cross-sex friendships, and friends with benefits. Are they more similar than they are different? Why or why not?

Same-sex friendships are different from cross-sex friendships and friends with benefits in that they fulfill the need for emotional support and shared activities without the tension that may arise when sexual attraction becomes a part of the relationship. Cross-sex friendships can provide new perspectives and can be a nice contrast to same-sex friendships, and also allow for potential romantic relationships to develop. Communication may be especially important in cross-sex friendships and among friends with benefits because of the additional complications that sexual attraction and/or activity may introduce into the relationship.