Dating criteria wrote:
Not sure why you can't have this in a romantic heterosexual relationship as well. In fact that is what I would be looking for in a relationship, not just sex but someone who can hang occasionally, talk and do things with out feeling you're attached to the hip or feel like you should be committed (although I prefer to be monogamous). Hard to be single these days...sigh.
Of course you can and should have friendship in a romantic heterosexual relationship. It's just a much better strategy to establish the romantic relationship first- with a partner who is attracted to you- rather than believe you can build attraction and romance via the friendship route with a person who has no interest.
As has been said: learn to read signals, don't chase people who aren't attracted to you to begin with, or just be friends (without expecting more) if you want a friend.