Platonic Relationship | What is a Platonic Relationship
The idea of Platonic Relationship originates from the thoughts of the classical philosopher Plato Between 428 and 428 BCE. 348 BCE, the term’s eponymous source. According to Plato this kind of love can help people get closer to a sacred ideal. If you want to build up your relationship and make it stronger, then checkout our article on Relationship Building is a Key factor to a Successful Life.
Plato describes this bond as a kind of love that arises when we recognize in someone else the good traits that make us feel whole. The idea of people being close companions is central to the term’s contemporary usage. Romantic or sexual relationships are the opposite of platonic relationships.
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Although the phrase is sometimes used exclusively to refer to friendships between people of the opposite sex it can also refer to friendships between people of the same sex. When two people share a unique bond, platonic love occurs.
They have similar interests and values, support one another through good times and bad and truly care and respect one another but they do not pursue a Platonic relationship. If you find someone you instantly click with because you both have a similar passion for a certain activity or subject you may even experience platonic love at first sight. But romantic love is not a factor in this equation.
What is a Platonic Relationship
When two people are close but not in a romantic relationship it’s called a platonic relationship. It’s possible that they even experience platonic love which is a kind of love between them. This idea comes from the writings of the ancient philosopher Plato from whom the term is also derived.
As far as Plato was concerned people could approach a divine ideal through platonic love. The concept of close friends without sexual desire is the main focus of the term platonic relationship or platonic love though in modern usage. Both same and opposite-sex friendships can be covered by this phrase.
It’s common for people to mistake a platonic relationship for a friendship but keep in mind that platonic love also describes having an intimate relationship with that person. You could meet someone for instance with whom you instantly click.
You have no interest in forming a romantic relationship with them because of their appearance, level of education, occupation or any other aspect of their life. Rather you take pleasure in the unique connection that only you have which feeds your soul in a manner that no other relationship can.
Platonic Relationship Meaning
An unrequited romantic or sexual relationship is called platonic but it goes beyond just friends. This bond is a kind of love that we experience when we recognize in another person the good attributes that we feel complete us with according to the ancient philosopher Plato after whom the concept is named.
Or to put it another way your closest friends who share your values and who you have faith in confidence in and loyalty toward are your platonic relationships. Many people you meet can become just friends but discovering your non-romantic soulmate in a platonic relationship is like that.
Platonic Relationship Vs Friendship
Despite the fact that friendships are typically complex we all understand what they are and aren’t. A friendship is defined as an ongoing connection and relationship that grows between two individuals over time. In these types of partnerships the individuals are willing to put in the time and effort to create something that will benefit them both and they are equally interested in each other.
There can only be silly involvement between you and your partner or partners. Relationships that are romantic or platonic are very different from friendships. In these kinds of relationships even if you don’t have sex or partake in romantic activities you can still feel even deeper and more intimate feelings for the other person.
However these relationships are just as valuable as romantic ones. Both are significant and have a wealth of knowledge to impart about both others and yourself. The concept of platonic relationships does not lack anything despite the fact that its definition places a strong emphasis on the absence of romance and sex.
Individuals in these kinds of relationships are content with what they have rather than dwelling on their shortcomings. They clearly understand that introducing romance or sex will fundamentally alter the dynamic of the relationship and are not pursuing unrealized goals. Because they are aware of their limitations they are able to appreciate what they have. It wouldn’t become deeper or more meaningful if it were platonic.
Signs of Platonic Love
A platonic relationship differs from other kinds of relationships in several ways. When it comes to relationships, platonic ones usually lack sex and have the following characteristics.
Closeness: The partners shared intimacy and understanding of one another define the nature of the relationship.
Sincerity: Everybody feels they can be open and sincere with one another about their actual feelings and thoughts.
Acceptance: These partnerships typically seem effortless and at ease. Both individuals believe they are free to be who they are and feel safe doing so.
Comprehending: Individuals in platonic relationships acknowledge and value each other’s personal space while still feeling a connection. They never attempt to coerce someone into doing things they don’t want to do or into becoming someone they’re not.
Friend relationships are frequently platonic ones: And although this kind of connection is characterized by the absence of a sexual relationship this does not imply that the people involved are not attracted to one another or could not develop an attraction to one another.
Types of Relationships
Different kinds of platonic relationships are now referred to by a few terms. These consist of:
Bromance: A close loving non-sexual relationship between two men is referred to as a bromance.
Womance: This term refers to a bond between two women that is emotional, non-sexual and non-romantic.
Work spouse: This term is occasionally used to characterize a close-knit non-sexual relationship involving bonds and on occasion roles akin to those of a married couple between coworkers.
Advantages of Platonic Relationship
It’s crucial for your health and wellbeing to maintain platonic relationships for a number of reasons. These relationships could have the following beneficial effects on your life:
Better Health
Social support and affection from others can have significant positive effects on one’s health according to research. Physically you can reduce your risk of illness, boost your immunity and experience less anxiety and depression when you receive this kind of platonic love and support.
Emotional Support
Additionally emotional support can be obtained through your network of platonic friends. They accomplish this by paying attention to what you have to say, affirming you and lending a hand when you need it.
Reduce Tension
Your physical and mental health can suffer greatly from stress. Health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure digestive problems and lowered immunity can all be attributed to chronic or prolonged stress. Additionally mood disorders like anxiety and depression may be influenced by it.
Strong relationships outside of one’s immediate family and romantic partnerships have been shown to improve a person’s ability to manage stressors. Furthermore people experience less stress when they have encouraging platonic friendships.
How Platonic Relationships Are Different from other Relationships
Although friendships can take many forms, platonic friendships are more profound and may consist of characteristics associated with closeness such as those that promote empathy, compassion and emotional support. Similar studies highlight other characteristics such as:
Acceptance: Respect for each other’s true qualities.
Fidelity: a feeling of protectiveness and companionship.
Comprehension: Knowing what the other person might need or anticipate just by virtue of your bond.
Believe: Having complete confidence in that individual to confide in.
Admittance: having the freedom to be who you are with them.
Friendship: a feeling of safety and comfort in one’s company.
Enjoyment: It’s a good, joyful and fulfilling experience to be with each other.
Expansion: supporting and motivating one another to achieve successful lives.
Gratitude: a feeling of gratitude for having that person in your life.
Intimacy: treating someone as though they were a member of your family.
Queer Platonic Relationships
Intimate relationships between two or more people that are not romantic are known as queerplatonic partnerships (QPPs). More than just BFFs these partnerships involve deep emotional commitment to each other.
There are countless configurations for QPPs, some involve financial sharing, co-parenting and/or binding legal agreements. Yes it is still possible for individuals to be in a queerplatonic partnership even if they identify as straight. These partnerships can involve individuals of any gender or sexual orientation.
In summary, Platonic relationships are a lovely means of establishing a connection with someone. It is based more on emotional closeness than on romantic sense or physical affection. We feel good about ourselves when we have emotional connections and platonic relationships teach us to see the good in both ourselves and other people.
Avoid mistaking platonic relationships for a first step toward a romantic partnership if you’re single. The clarity with which the ancient philosopher Plato explained that platonic relationships lack a romantic or sexual element enables you to delve deeper into the bond that is developing between you. Remember that a strong friendship is one that is content and doesn’t try to be anything more!