I have a few too few of such female friends. It makes appreciation of them so much greater knowing how rare they are. One in particular is a best friend relationship as close as it gets without sexual intimacy.

We once had it as well but mutually recognized some differences in living and outlook that weren't a 'fit' at that level.

We are afflicted by religiously and patriarchally based social canon and erroneous notions that prevent both formation and salvation of close heterosexual, platonic friendships.

Barriers can be overcome with honest examination and refusing to allow others who are not part of the friendship to interfere. It's no easy task for those who've already succombed to being 'saddled' and branded.

Some can. There is no reason why not.

Good Luck in your search.

It’s not so much an issue, I just don’t think it’s all to common. I typically see it as men like to spend time with people they have the most in common with and can identify with, other men. While it’s not impossible for women to be included in that, I think men just enjoy the company of someone who isn’t so opposite of them.

Only with gay men have I ever truly experienced a "platonic" friendship.
True story.

Good question. The parties involved have to make the relationship clear from the beginning and admit if there are any attractions other than platonic.

I think it is only natural for men and women to find some ‘more than friends’ attraction to each other. Obviously sometimes it’s felt more by one than the other. But yes. It’s important to communicate early and as often as required to ensure one is not misenturputing something from the other if one is not interested if becoming more intimate.

I thank everyone for their input to my question.

I think if you would have a female friend, one of you will think about a relationship

I am not sure I understand why you want a female friend particularly for the things you list. Does the friend being female make it better or different? Is the difference because of gender and not because of different personalities?
Personally, my closest friends are all male (I am male). I have female friends, but not very close! Often I get attracted to them and know that they are unavailable and so I maintain a distance. If I don't get attracted to them, there is probably not enough between us to maintain a close friendship. I think that is how it works for me, but I might be wrong.

My best friend of a little over a decade was inserprabe to me, and we of him. We had some diferent of opinion on some some subgests, be always we didn't have a problem with the differences of what might be. we valudude what we had in common rather than argeuing over some trivial bullshit. He died a few years ago and Couldn't find another that could fill his shoes.

Iv'e made some rather great friends over the last few years, and I am greatful for those that I have met. but I still hasve judgedment on others that I meet because I still compair them to my old best friend.

I know I need to let go and get on with my life,.. But its hard sometimes. real honestly and the bonding really is hard to fill those shoes.