why do I have to be someones friend to send them a message?

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I wanted to message someone to ask them a question about something they had posted. But then I realized that I needed to be their friend to be allowed to send a message to them. Why is that? What if that person doesn't want to be my friend. Or if I don't want to be theirs? Not speaking about any particular person here...But I am sure that it may come up some day that I want to speak to someone but don't want to be listed as their friend. Darnit! I just want to ask a question!!!