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Friendship Quote by Nora Ephron

“Harry Burns: You realize of course that we could never be friends. Sally Albright: Why not? Harry Burns: What I'm saying is - and this is not a come-on in any way, shape or form - is that men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets in the way. Sally Albright: That's not true. I…” quote by Nora Ephron
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““Harry Burns: You realize of course that we could never be friends. Sally Albright: Why not? Harry Burns: What I'm saying is - and this is not a come-on in any way, shape or form - is that men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets in the way. Sally Albright: That's not true. I have a number of men friends and there is no sex involved. Harry Burns: No you don't. Sally Albright: Yes I do. Harry Burns: No you don't. Sally Albright: Yes I do. Harry Burns: You only think you do. Sally Albright: You say I'm having sex with these men without my knowledge? Harry Burns: No, what I'm saying is they all WANT to have sex with you. Sally Albright: They do not. Harry Burns: Do too. Sally Albright: They do not. Harry Burns: Do too. Sally Albright: How do you know? Harry Burns: Because no man can be friends with a woman that he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her. Sally Albright: So, you're saying that a man can be friends with a woman he finds unattractive? Harry Burns: No. You pretty much want to nail 'em too. Sally Albright: What if THEY don't want to have sex with YOU? Harry Burns: Doesn't matter because the sex thing is already out there so the friendship is ultimately doomed and that is the end of the story. Sally Albright: Well, I guess we're not going to be friends then. Harry Burns: I guess not. Sally Albright: That's too bad. You were the only person I knew in New York.””

Nora Ephron

About This Quote

Source Film: When Harry Met Sally, 1989

Men and women struggle to maintain platonic friendships because sexual attraction often complicates the dynamic.

In simple terms: Sexual tension can ruin friendships.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and respect boundaries.

Themes

friendship gender sexuality

Mood

humorous conversational

Type

romantic dialogue

When to use this quote

  • college
  • workplace
  • social gatherings
  • online communities

Key Concepts

attraction communication social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can platonic friendships survive mutual attraction?
  • What boundaries help maintain friendship?
A Different Perspective

Some friendships thrive despite attraction, showing it’s not inevitable.

2.5 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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