One type of male-female relationship is the simple, uncomplicated friendship. This is when a man and a woman become friends through sharing common interests and values; just as two men or two women might do. Though some claim that it's impossible for women and men to be friends without any degree of sexual attraction, it's simply a matter of both people in the friendship being on the same page. Pop culture and history are filled with examples of male-female platonic friendships, so men and women who enjoy each other in a friendship capacity shouldn't be afraid to pursue this type of relationship.

Sometimes a man and woman in a platonic friendship decide to add sexual activities to their relationship, resulting in a "friends with benefits" arrangement. For two friends who want sexual fulfillment without the hassles of a commitment, this can be a fun and rewarding type of relationship. However, men and women in these types of relationships run the risk of developing romantic feelings for one another, experiencing jealousy if one partner decides to start a romantic relationship with someone else or finding out that their friendship has changed too much to continue. If two friends become sexually attracted to each other and want to pursue this type of relationship, constant communication and realistic expectations are a must.

Romantic male-female relationships are by far the most well-known. Romantic relationships are by definition intimate. Men and women in these relationships feel love and tenderness for one another, and may also be sexually involved. A healthy romantic relationship is one in which the man and woman involved can grow together while still retaining a sense of individuality. Some romantic relationships are lifelong. Others end after the involved parties grow apart or realize they simply don't feel the same emotional, physical or mental attraction they did when the relationship began.

With the advent of women achieving a more equal status in the workplace, it has become commonplace for men and women to have professional relationships. Long gone are the days when male employees could comment on a female employee's looks or expect her to perform in a servile function. Instead, today's professional male-female relationships are ones where men and women are equally valued for input in meetings, participation in projects and professional development. Men and women know that their success depends on their ability to relate well in the workplace, and these relationships must be based on mutual, professional respect.