Is It Haram To Be Friends With The Opposite Gender?
Yes, it is supposed to be more like a professional / acquaintance type of a friendship where distance and decency should be maintained. The more reserved it can be the better. Cracking decent jokes is not haram within itself but it generally signifies a more relaxed relationship. Occasionally and within means it can be acceptable. The key thing to remember is that it’s a slippery slope and left unchecked it often leads to zina which is one of the great sins. It is therefore one should be mindful and the guards should not be let down from the get go.