I thought later... OK, I need to come back and add an edit about "When Harry Met Sally" that it was not meant to be an insult to men. Don't want to offend our fine male population we have on here by any means.

I've been Sally before. And shame on me, I've been Harry before. Being a man specifically has nothing to do with it.

And yes, RP's friend is a good guy in that he is telling the truth that his intentions are to be no more than what they are. Because as he says, "he just wants to stay a bachelor". Well, if that is all it is, fine. Live life whatever way you like.

Related "Friend" Example...
What is not fine is one of GFs recent situations. She and the BF were "friends" first. Then a couple seriously for quite a while. She wanted marriage. He never said he did not. And actually said he eventually would be married some day, have kids etc. (he's an older 30something bachelor never married, my GF is divorced w/a child). Then I see the GF she's devastated. The BF calls (she says out of the blue--seems like more to it) and breaks up with her. However...

Next in the story, she's at his house to pick up some of her personal belongings there, they hug... then he kisses her, well she's emotionally madly in love with him I wanna keep you in my life mode, and then... it's the next morning post the sex. Then, she says, oh yea... he calls me every day and says "I miss my 'friend' ". Umm, meaning I want some 'friendly sex'... oh, then I gotta go do my bachelor whatever... your GFs available to cry your eyes out to right? cuz I got stuff to do...".

THAT, imho, is NOT ok. I told her that if she can't just live with a booty call friendship and detatch emotionally (which 'I' have the sense to see that she can not), then... see him no more. Just be cordial when she runs into him publically.