Not every profound relationship we encounter in our lives will necessarily be romantic.
Love can take many forms, one of which is platonic love.
What is platonic love?
Today, the termplatonicis often used to describe the absence of sex and romance in any relationship.
“In essence, people feel love for each other without a foundation of sexual interest.”
Importantly, platonic love is not a “lesser” form of love than romantic love.
Platonic love is not necessarily synonymous with friendship, though someclose friendsdo have platonic love for each other.
Given the prevalence oftoxic relationships, having a strong support connection to fall back on is imperative.
“Most people have needs that can’t be satisfied by one person, including their romantic partner.
That is normal and perfectly healthy!”
Life partnership
Platonic life partnershipshave been getting more attention these days, and for good reason.
How to keep a relationship platonic:
Make your intentions known.
“Let your platonic friend know your intentions and boundaries from the start,” says Richmond.
see to it they know you see the relationship as being platonic, not romantic or sexual.
Make appropriate plans.
Certain activities are more closely associated to romantic and sexual relationships.
A candlelit dinner for two with rose petals scattered around you?
Texting them past midnight to come over to watch Netflix and chill?
Watch the language.
Yourbody languageand choice of words can communicate a lot.
Nurture the relationship.
Boundaries matter in platonic relationships.
At the same time, though, what’s so amazing about platonic love is that it really islove.
And when you love someone, you actively care about them and your relationship with them.
All of these behaviors are features of platonic love relationships.
What if I don’t want it to be a platonic relationship?
Ask if they’re interested in pursuing something romantic or sexual with you.
(We’ve got afull guide on how to stop liking someone, if you need it.)
FAQ:
Does platonic love mean just friends?
What does platonic love feel like?
Can there be kissing and sex in a platonic relationship?
Generally speaking, platonic relationships are distinctly nonsexual and nonromantic in nature.
The people involved choose to nurture a relationship without sex and romance.
he says, adding that platonic friends may occasionally kiss, hold hands, or even have sex.
The friendship, regardless of the presence of sex or romance, is the centerpiece of a platonic relationship.
