Social media and being platonic friends: I

 This is the part where I examine my own behavior.

I've had female friends all my life, including friends that I did not consider "dates".  I know about the concept of "platonic friend."  But, just what does that mean, and what does it mean for a married man?

Since I am interested in the topic of jealousy, I'll talk about MY behavior and not my spouse's. 

So, let's turn to social media for a bit, as that is part of my community.

People talk about "taken men" responding to women's photos.  And yes, I've crossed the line here and there putting "heart react" and sometimes "heart eyes."  I didn't think of it at the time, but I can't expect my spouse NOT to flirt if I am doing that.  

Ok, it has been done to me too, though one of my wife's female friends responded to one of my photos with the word "yum."  I admit that it made me laugh.

But what about the selfie taken with a friend?

These selfies have been digitally altered by AI but retain the "vibe" and the positioning.

Were these too intimate?  Remember that the male in this photo (digitally altered) was married to someone else. 

In the above photos: the two in the photo sure LOOK like a couple.