Throughout their life, a person experiences various types of relationships. All of these one-of-a-kind ties add a new dimension to your daily routine. One of the less common relationships is Platonic relationships or Platonic love. This article focuses on defining Platonic relationships and discusses the various aspects of such relationships in detail.
What is a Platonic relationship?
The concept of Platonic relationship and its name derives from the writings of the ancient philosopher Plato. However, Plato never used the word “Platonic” in his work (as he did not use it in his naming practice); the concept came from his theories. Plato believed such love could help people reach a divine ideal, but modern usage emphasises friendship between close friends.
In general, Platonic love occurs when two people have a special relationship. They care about and respect each other, lean on each other in good times and bad, and share similar interests and values but aren’t romantically involved.
A Platonic friendship is the opposite of a sexual or romantic relationship. The term is often merely applied to opposite-sex companies, but it can also apply to same-sex friendships.
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Why do people have Platonic relationships?
There is no one fixed reason why people get into a Platonic relationship. The ease and comfort of such relationships provide the intimacy humans need, without any baggage, making it easier to slide into such bonds.
Everyone wants to be understood and accepted for who they are. Platonic relationships help people feel like they have someone who understands how they think. As a pure form of love, this kind of intimacy encompasses spiritual and emotional aspects, enabling people to flourish, find emotional stability, and improve their well-being.
People with Platonic bonds have a special kind of relationship because they don’t expect much from each other except to be themselves and be good friends simply. It is not like romantic relationships, where one has to check every box on their partner’s wishlist. And they don’t have to prove themselves to impress the person.
What is The Difference between a romantic and Platonic relationship?
Love for a partner is different from love for a best friend. Here we discuss the difference between a romantic and Platonic relationship:
- Conflict is less likely to occur when a person loves someone Platonically. There are fewer stakes involved in the fighting. Compromise, however, is crucial to a relationship when it is romantic. The stakes here are higher. Romantic couples tend to check on their activities and are generally happiest when they make each other happy.
- People who share a Platonic relationship tend to be blunter with those people. In romantic love, they consider the feelings of their partner, which does not mean that they lie to their partner. Alternatively, they might tailor any problematic news to their partners’ emotional needs or patterns.
- Romantic love leans heavily toward physical intimacy (sexual or otherwise), whereas Platonic love is a form of friendship without romance or sex.
- Platonic love is usually solid, unwavering, and unconditional. On the other hand, romantic relationships tend to be more sensitive, emotional, passionate, and tender.
- Although Platonic love remains, establish long-term commitment to stay together in most dynamics no matter what happens. However, couples who declare their passion and dedication to the world by getting a married take on a literal “till death do us part” vow.
The importance of Platonic Relationships!
Platonic friendship can play an essential role in our lives in both men and women, affecting us emotionally, socially, and physically. Here’s how:
Emotional well-being and development. Platonic friendships are frequently the first type of relationship we form outside of family relationships. They teach us how to care for someone who isn’t a family member, provide a link to the outside world, and offer us a sense of belonging and purpose.
A different point of view. We all have our perspectives on the world, but hearing someone else’s can provide a whole different perspective. A buddy can provide an unbiased viewpoint, especially if the friend is of the opposite sex. There are various circumstances in life that ladies and males view differently.
Motivation. We all have objectives that we want to reach, but getting there can be challenging at times. During these trying times, friends can be a source of support and encouragement.
Longevity. Platonic love, like a childhood best friend you’ve known your whole life, can always be there. Growing up together produced an everlasting tie, even if you grow apart and go separate ways.
How do you define the parameters of your Platonic Relationship!
Like any other relationship, we should define the parameters of a Platonic relationship. It is essential that neither party feels uncomfortable or taken advantage of in a friendship.
- Don’t hesitate to let your pals know when you’re busy or tired. Gradually test out what works for you, feel out your buddies, and watch how they react. They might not be good friends with you if they don’t like your boundaries.
- Isn’t it true that friendship is all about sharing? This component of companies can also be tricky at times. If they’re continually borrowing money or other items like clothes and failing to return them, it’s time to approach them or stop lending to them calmly.
- Telling about information––no one likes a friend who reveals their secrets to those who doesn’t have to know. Everyone’s standards are different here, so just make sure you know how you’d like to be treated by a friend, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t agree with something.
Conclusion:
It is essential to maintain an honest and open relationship, even in Platonic relationships. Don’t let your Platonic friend, however vital they might feel, gaslight you. Feel that your Platonic relationship is getting toxic and taking a toll on your mental health? Get some professional mental help.
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