rationalfrummie -“Platonic, shomer conversations and friendships can exist between genders. Many non-Jews are “just friends” with people of different genders and nothing scandalous happens.”
There is no such thing as “Platonic, shomer conversations and friendships can exist between genders” amongst Jews. It does exist in some cases by certain Goyim. This is a Chumradika (Bad)Aveira by Jews!
“If boys and girls aren’t allowed to talk or “hang out”, they won’t have the skills that are necessary for shidduchim, college, and the workplace (if applicable).”
The first case that you mention it’s Ossur. The other cases are Mutter if it’s related directly to school or work.