This controversial question receives more limelight as time goes on. Women have so many rights that were unheard of a mere century ago. Women can now vote, for one, populate more of the workplace and are becoming more respected with time. With increasingly similar rights, can the two genders finally be friends?

Some people will lead you to believe we're past playground dichotomies, but the fundamental truth remains: men and women are just too different to have a true friendship. Sure, it's fun to mingle and socialize with the opposite sex, but close friendships are inherently out of the question. Why? I've compiled a list of reasons you should keep in mind- especially if you want to avoid cooties.

1. Men are from Mars, women from Jupiter.

Duh, every kid knows this one. Men are up on the little red planet eating candy bars, women are studying on Jupiter. They just don't mesh well. Teamwork in sports or puzzles, such as an escape room, is unthinkable.

2. Be prepared for your friendship to snowball into a relationship.

Go watch any Disney movie ever (and 90% of most other movies) and report back to me if you disagree. The guy saves then gets the girl. It's a tale as old as time and it's a time-tested trope for a reason.

3. Interests are so different between genders, how can you build a friendship?

Let's be real, ladies, what guy is going to genuinely enjoy scrapbooking with you? Painting nails? And, guys, you can't hit the courts with a gal pal or play a round of golf. People don't have interests that go beyond these activities.

4. Their brain chemistry is different- it's science.

Ok, to be honest, I didn't read the fine print on any studies. But I know that women are wired to be emotional and pick up on social cues in order to be compassionate. Men are better at being assertive and take action. Something with gray matter and neural pathways? Idk, man. It's science.

5. Attraction and emotions get in the way.

You and your friend can't focus on common interests, principles or even just hang out. Our biology makes us look at the opposite gender for romantic partners, not friends. We as humans just can't overcome this obstacle in our relations with the other sex.

6. People talk.

In fifth grade, I sat at the boys' table at lunch to hang out with one of my best friends. People asked me pretty regularly, "Wait, are you dating, or are you cousins?" Yep, ten-year-old me was definitely dating him. I must've been, I talked to him all the time. Who wants to deal with these annoying rumors?

7. Men and women are socialized differently.

It starts from birth. Women are designated to pink, men to blue. Girls wear skirts, guys play in the dirt. It continues on to toy choice, social interactions and even their career decisions. These experiences make men and women inherently different.

8. Be careful when people blur these social lines.

Co-ed sports teams, gender neutral attire, public bathrooms that don't designate male or female? Pan, bi, nonconforming, fluid? These gray areas just complicate friendships beyond belief. Next thing you know, they'll make ballroom classes co-ed, or (God forbid) our football teams. Let's keep things simple, guys.

9. Romantic relationships are jeopardized by being friends with the other gender.

Jealousy is rampant. If your S/O sees you having a conversation with a person of the opposite gender, they will get suspicious. I mean, you could communicate, but it's easier to just avoid that conflict altogether.

10. People are people...

and I love satire. Go forth and be friends with whomever you choose.