Yes.

Let's put it this way. I'm bisexual. If this trope were true (ie. couples of the preferred sex are unable to just remain friends), I would literally be unable to have any friendships. That's ridiculous.

If I view you as a friend, you're strictly a friend to me. The slippery slope is when one half of the party goes into it expecting or hoping for more. Becoming friends with your crush =/= male and female friendships not being possible.

For me personally, becoming friends with a crush usually kills whatever attraction I had. And if I didn't have anything for that person before, I most likely would not.

This idea is all just an idea people hide behind.

This!! Exactly the same thing!! I've known them since I was like really young and naive but now, I don't think I can just have a regular friend that's a girl without some sort of sexual attraction and ya know, other things

Of course!

Duh

Only if there's no attraction. The minute you start thinking that so-and-so looks good, it becomes a mess.

Best friends, HELL NO. At one point when you guys are out someone will catch feelings, even if it takes years.

Even in most cases with just friends in general.

Yes. Of course.
It's different kind of friendship than girl to girl or man to man but that's just how life is.

Yes obviously you can be friends with whoever you want