It probably didn't require a formal study, but new research from the University of Texas reveals that straight women are more comfortable opening up to gay man compared to heterosexual men, as per a new report published in Psychological Science.
In the report, which surveyed more than 150 heterosexual women, it was revealed that the comfort levels around homosexual men are simply much higher. The research was also combined with footage of encounters between 66 pairs of straight women and gay men. It's something that is evident in their body language, too. "This suggests that straight women approach friendships with gay men in a very open and relaxed fashion, which we do not usually see in interactions between opposite-sex individuals," lead author Eric M. Russell revealed to PsyPost.
As you might expect, one of the reasons that straight females feel more comfortable is because there's no need to worry about one-sided sexual connection. "Straight women and gay men likely see their friendships as safe spaces where they can have fun, be themselves, and engage in intimate conversations without fear of judgment, expectations, or one-sided sexual interest," he explained.
It's become even more common amongst physically attractive females because they know that their relations with gay men are simply friendly. "This is especially true of physically attractive women, who are often wary of straight men wanting more than a platonic relationship with them. However, when these women discover that they are interacting with gay men, this anxiety is greatly reduced," Russell continued. "With gay men, women can engage more openly and intimately with them because they do not have to worry about the men having an ulterior sexual motive."
Photo: Getty Images