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Mixer #133 | Intermediate B1

Can men and women be best friends?

Listen to six people discuss if women and men can be best friends while dating or being married to other people.

Lindsay / United States
speakerYes, I think opposite sex can be best friends. My best friend happens to be a male and is not my husband. Of course, my husband is one of my best friends, but the person that I rely on for friendship is a male, and I don't think it makes a difference.

Katia / Mexico
speakerI absolutely think that a man and a woman can be good friends or best friends, even though they're married to other people. Friendship doesn't have a gender, so I really don't think that would be a problem if a man and a woman are best friends.

Matt / United States
speakerI think that once you get married that that person you're married to is going to be your best friend for life. So, with that in mind, yes, man and woman can be best friends for life.

Warren / Canada
speakerI think it's possible, but really unlikely. Naturally, I believe that the relationship between a man and a woman usually has other connotations than it would be with two guys or two girls.

Sarah / England
speakerMen and women can be best friends for life. In my opinion, I don't see what the difference is between a man and a woman being friends, and a man and a man, or a woman and a woman. If one's the same, I don't see why gender should be an issue when it comes to friendship.

Sunny / Korea
speakerI think it's hard for a man and a woman to be best friends for life, because your husband or wife can be jealous. But as long as your husband or wife understands, I think it is possible to be best friends forever.

Learn Vocabulary from the Lesson!

make a difference

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I don't think it makes a difference.

When you make a difference with someone, your actions affect them in a positive way. Notice the following:

  1. My father made a big difference in my life.
  2. It makes a difference if you live in a foreign country when learning a language.

for life

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He is going to be your best friend for life.

For life mean for the rest of your life, or until death. Notice the following:

  1. He was sent to prison for life.
  2. I hope to live in my hometown for life.

with that in mind

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So, with that in mind, yes, man and woman can be best friends for life.

Here the phrase 'with that in mind' means 'considering that'. Notice the following:

  1. The roads were icy, so with that in mind, I drove slowly .
  2. The test is four hours long, so you need to keep that in mind when preparing for it.

guys / girls

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two guys or two girls.

Men and women are sometimes referred to as guys and girls, regardless of age. Notice the following:

  1. There were five guys and three girls at the party.
  2. For the game, the class was divided between guys and girls.

be an issue

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I don't see why gender should be an issue when it comes to friendship.

When something is 'an issue', that means it is a problem. Notice the following:

  1. Will it be an issue if I am a few minutes late?
  2. Obesity is not a big issue in America.

 

Vocabulary Quiz

make a difference • for life • guys
with that in mind • an issue
  1. How many are coming?
  2. It does not if you walk instead of drive to work .
  3. You should go, but , you are welcome to return.
  4. He plans to be a student .
  5. Poverty is in my city.
Answer the following questions about the interview.

One Minute English Video

Speakers
Mixer Video 133
Is it easier to be friends with men or women?

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