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Osho on Why is it difficult for men and women to be friends?

Why is it difficult for men and women to be friends?

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True friendship between men and women flourishes only in the absence of possessiveness and contracts; when love is free to come and go, equality and genuine connection can thrive.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source definition
Core Insight:
According to Osho, true friendship between men and women is blocked by ownership-based institutions—especially marriage—that turn lovers into jailer and prisoner. Possessiveness, promises for forever, and social-legal bonds destroy equality and freedom, so attraction decays into routine, resentment, and power games. Only when relationships are free of contracts and roles, allowing love to come and go naturally, can men and women meet as equal friends.
Men and women can’t be real friends when they try to own each other; friendship needs freedom and equality, not contracts and roles.
Why this matters practically
- Relate without ownership or control to reduce jealousy and resentment.
- Be honest about changing feelings and allow graceful parting without blame.
- Build connections on freedom and equality to keep love and friendship alive.
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