Another movie where having a boyfriend is seen as a weakness

It was more like she asked not to rush things, etc.

Maybe it's because he's black.

Just friends? Interesting. I remember a typical SWS type criticizing this movie for supposedly pushing an "interracial agenda" between white women and black men.

It's actually pretty typical of Hollywood to tease the potential romance(The rare occasions it comes up anyway) between white girl/black guy that just ends up staying platonic, usually with the thirsty black guy getting friendzoned.

Two other recent examples i can think of off the top of my head are

1.The Force Awakens

2.Spider man: Into the Spider Verse (fake out love interest Ironically also played by Hailee Steinfeld )

Once that buffoon was inserted into the narrative, the film went downhill fast. He should have been excised from the script.

Yea, its refreshing to see a young woman be more independent than in the past