Relationship Woes and Advice 22: In Which Two Problems Prevent Each Others' Solution

[Chen]

I'm actually not sure if this is a geek problem so much as a social problem. Society has focused on finding "the one" as the key to happiness. If you're not partnered you are expected to be sad and bitter about it, because you couldn't possibly be enjoying friendships outside of a romantic relationship. Conversely, friendships are often seen as second best - listen to some of the "friendzone" nonsense for a good demonstration of this.

I'd say in a lot of cases friendzone vs relationship is really a case of sex vs no sex. And that's more nature than society I'd have to say.