Platonic friendship?

sex is not the only criterion.
have you heard the phrase, an emotional affair.

Oh yes.
Good point!

So you have only recently reconnected, but you like to share it with your friends?
You know perfectly well there may be consequences.

I don't think men can ever be platonic. I had 2 lovely gym buddies.We met every day for coffee at the gym ,swapped texts, enjoyed each other's company. Both separately made passes which caused a bit of embarrassment and we have now lost touch due to covid.

You would think men in their 70 might have some sense but no.

Hmmm... Sounds like dangerous territory, potentially. Sorry to say this but I do wonder if men can genuinely be just friends with women, especially if there has been physical attraction in the past?

But only you really know in your heart of hearts what you feel and what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Is it really necessary if it is making things difficult for you?

But if you are needing to widen your circle of friends and your wife is happy with this then, always, getting together as two couples might work. As MissAdventure said... can you show your texts to your wife with a totally clean conscience.

Geekesse, we met by chance when we were on holiday and exchanged numbers. We only message about once a month if that. I didn’t think it would be a big deal and only told my friends in conversation never thinking they wouldn’t let the subject drop. I’m disappointed in them tbh because they think it’s one big joke.
All of your responses are very much appreciated, ladies.

If your wife knows about it, you are transparent and she doesn't mind, I don't think it is anyone else's business. Just be honest with yourself. If her contact gives you excitement, it's probably better not to carry on the communication. Otherwise, enjoy it for what it is.
My best friend from school is an ex boyfriend but the reason he's an ex was because as much as I liked him as a person, I didn't fancy him enough for a life long relationship. My husband, in the past a jealous soul, is not the least bothered. He gave me away when we married and he was the Godfather of my child.

No I agree I wouldn’t like it if I was the partner of one of them either Miss Adventure, My DH said exactly the same,

I don't want to cast doubt, but it seems as soon as introducing the partners was mentioned, tablecloth went off the idea, too.
Hopefully he considered, and decided it was a bit dicey. (Either that, or he'll come back and tell me off!)

To suggest that the only relationship you can have with someone of the opposite sex is one which includes sex, is depressing.

I've kept in touch with a male work colleague from decades ago - my partner has met him and likes him. My feelings for this man are similar to those I have for my brother. There was never a physical attraction between us - we both value the friendship.

Meeting as couples, at least once, is a good idea so that there's no mystery.
If you are just chatting occasionally, and all texts or conversations are ones your spouses would be happy with, I see no problem.
Except your silly friends of course.
If they won't take a telling that they're going too far with the jokes, are they really friends at all?

Mmmm...not sure. It's too easy for it to escalate and maybe start getting flirty. Or maybe not. Whatever, I don't think I would like it. Not that it matters now I'm well and truly single.

Dickens

To suggest that the only relationship you can have with someone of the opposite sex is one which includes sex, is depressing.

I've kept in touch with a male work colleague from decades ago - my partner has met him and likes him. My feelings for this man are similar to those I have for my brother. There was never a physical attraction between us - we both value the friendship.

Work colleagues, yes, but it’s a different issue when it’s an old flame.

Ah, I was with you until you said it doesn’t feel wrong but maybe it has the potential to go wrong. That's a red flag to me. I enjoyed a purely platonic friendship with a male friend for many years, until his death. We made absolutely sure that both our partners were 100% comfortable with our friendship and frequently all met up together. There was never any time when our friendship created gossip with friends and certainly never had any potential to go wrong.

You're kidding yourself, and your wife, and your playing with fire Tablecloth.

I’m with Sago, you could very well be on dangerous ground. I must admit I wouldn’t like my husband to be in touch with an old flame. It has the potential to become more than it is at the moment. If you and your wife engage with this person as a couple no worries, just you….her red flag! I mean do you really know what this other woman is quietly hoping for.