Do women just have that man candy guy when in a relationship?

This is absolutely eating at me and I need input. I have a friend who's in a relationship. I'm the go-to-guy to bitch about her boyfriend. I feel like her piece of cake. "Let's go to the bar, hangout, flirt just a tad, chit-chat make plans, etc" I swear she likes me. Or something like that. As far as I can see they're happy she loves him. Things are fine or can be worked on, etc. They trust eachother. Just a normal ongoing relationship in which I wish to have no intervention. Yet she's always trying to gain my time and gets moody when she doesn't. Same goes for my current girlfriend. She swears she loves me. She shows it. I love her the relationship is normal. But there's a male friend who just seems so damn special. He's always got to be with us or join us. The only thing that puts me at ease is she won't hang out with him alone. I trust her she trusts me etc. My question is, ladies please be dead beat honest, do women have that "man candy" guy? The one where they go and eat up all his sweetness, friendliness, whatever. Get their fill and return to the man they truly love? Is this just some 21st century woman thing that I as a man have to accept and deal with? Or am I delirious and there's something going on? Or is nothing going on and they're both just simply friendship? I ask because my train of thought is why is that opposite sex friend just so damn important suddenly? Or am I just a jealous possessive jerk? I don't think I am...

REDSUNX, Yes, a lot of women do have what you call a "man candy" guy. Some may have multiple. My boyfriend gets so jealous and possessive about me having them, it's ridiculous. Honestly, it's an attention thing. Women love to know that even when they're unavailable they can still have the attention of other men, even better that these other men will be decent to them and listen to their problems, etc. I'm sure this is not a 21st century thing, it's been going on forever. You have nothing to worry about. :) Hope I helped!

redsunx - I'm with you - I think its weird! I've had lots of male friends thru the years (I'm 35) but hope I have never come across the way you describe! We talk about all sorts of things but I never mean to flirt, nor had any male friend say anything close to your description. Maybe it is all about intent. Maybe some people need more attention than others and don't know how else to get it but in a sexual way?? And maybe I'm just suspicious of some friends intent? Do you feel a little used?? So my answer to you is "No" not all women have a "man candy". Some women have real friendships with men whom they respect and value their opinions and don't need any sexual overtones. Just another opinion. I don't think of my friendships with men as any different than my relationships with women. Hey, it could be me who is weird! Haha. Good luck.