Personally, I don’t think so. I’m friendly and courteous, but I don’t maintain close friendships with the opposite sex because I don’t see a need for it. In my opinion, the risks outweigh the benefits. 

This dilemma reminds me of the classic debate from When Harry Met Sally, where Harry argues that men and women can’t truly be friends because one person always wants more. Research supports this idea—studies show that the number one trait people seek in a romantic partner isn’t looks or wealth, but kindness.