Does platonic sound familiar? It has always been represented as the love between friends but, there’s more to it than that! Read on to know everything about platonic relationships and spot if you’re in one.
Relationships demand to be explored to be understood. Allow us to guide you in your quest to learn about relationship types and how it works!
Defining platonic relationship
A platonic relationship is a deep connection between people who share a strong bond of respect and understanding. It does not have any physical attraction or expectations of romance. This kind of relationship usually exists between friends and family.
Platonic relationships form when there is trust and security in being vulnerable around them. It is an unconditional type of love where you are not scared of being yourself because it has no expectations.
Knowing your boundaries is essential in platonic relationships because most of its elements, such as love, trust, and respect, mirror those that are in a romantic one. You have to make sure that you are on the same page with your platonic partner to keep it healthy.
Platonic relationship vs. romantic relationship
Platonic and romantic relationships have different dynamics. Casual or committed, sexual or not, partners decide on how to make their relationships work.
In this part, we’ll discover the characteristics of a platonic relationship and see how it differs from a romantic one.
1. There is no physical Intimacy
Absence of sexual interaction differentiates a platonic from a romantic relationship. Even though people in a platonic relationship sometimes hug and kiss, it’s always out of friendship.
2. You have more freedom
People don’t have to talk to or see each other everyday when they’re in a platonic relationship. They may not see each other for months and nothing will seem to change once they meet again.
While in a romantic relationship, it is a chore to update your partner and go on a date once in a while to keep the fire burning. Consistency, reassurance, and physical affection are essential to keeping this kind of relationship healthy.
3. Nobody has expectations
People are not expected to be or do anything in a platonic relationship. There is no pressure of having to always be there for each other.
In a romantic relationship, however, you can feel the need to show your best to your partner and help them when in need.
4. Acceptance over compromise
In a platonic relationship, conflicts subside in a while without needing to adjust. They eventually accept people as they are. Romantic relationships, however, require people to compromise to resolve conflicts.
5. There are no next phases
There is no chance for a platonic relationship to progress to something else. Unlike a romantic relationship which has different phases of love, there is no next stage to a platonic relationship.
6 Platonic relationships are effortless
In a platonic relationship, you just let things be. As long as you enjoy each other’s company, there is no need to exert too much effort to make the other one happy.
4 Types of platonic relationships
Platonic relationships exist in many different ways, timelines, and reasons. Now that we already know how to distinguish a platonic from a romantic relationship, let’s proceed with discovering its different types.
1. Two people who grew up together
Growing up together is one way of developing a platonic relationship. Being able to witness a person’s experiences as they grow older helps friends to get to know and understand someone on a deeper level.
2. Long distance bonds
Their friendship is not defined by distance. No matter how rarely they see each other, they know that they will always have a special bond because a platonic relationship is beyond physical contact.
3. Almost lovers
There are platonic relationships that formed because the romance failed. People who get rejected may decide to just platonically love and care for someone. Although the attraction may still be there, respecting each other’s boundaries will keep the relationship working.
4. Platonic life partnerships
People in a platonic relationship may also commit to each other. These people choose to be a couple, even get married, and still not engage in sexual activity. Oftentimes, this requires them to settle in one partner only.
Monogamy is one of the most important aspects of a platonic partnership. Learn more about monogamous relationships by reading this article.
It is not easy to find and sustain deep connections that platonic relationships have. So if you find one, consider yourself lucky, nourish it, and keep your boundaries healthy!
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Janet Smith
Janet Smith is a freelance writer who writes about psychology, relationships, and dating. She has always been interested in understanding the human brain and how it affects our …
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