Platonic friendship sounds weird, right? Well, friendship can have different dimensions and meanings. Some friends are just for hanging around and for fun purposes, but others may develop some kind of romantic feelings in their hearts for you.
Generally, among same-gender persons, we don’t see platonic friendship. However, it is quite normal when two persons of the opposite gender are friends.
When love, care, respect, and affection grow for each other, your friendship may turn into a platonic one. A kind of relationship in which one of you or both of you want to have a sexual or romantic relationship but none of you admit to it.
For a better understanding of what platonic friendship is, we need to know its meaning.
Meaning and Definition
If we talk about platonic friendship, it is a kind of friendship in which there is no involvement of romantic feelings or sexual desire for each other.
In due course of time, one friend or both friends may develop romantic feelings for each other or want to have a physical relationship. However, none of them initiates the talks or expresses their feelings or desire for each other.
It is quite common for us to get attracted to a person of the opposite gender, even to a friend. But we don’t admit to it fearing the consequences of losing her.
However, if a friend admits to having romantic feelings for his friend and the other friend also accepts having the same feelings, then it turns into a romantic relationship. On the other hand, when both of them get physical with each other without having any romantic feelings, then they are friends with benefits.
There are different kinds of friendship that one can find or experience in his life, platonic relationship is one such. Although it may seem quite weird, it has been normal among the younger generation for centuries.
Platonic Friendship Signs
There are a lot of signs that one can notice in a friend or in his friendship to know whether he is in a platonic relationship or not. Some of the signs are discussed below:
- First and foremost, there is an absence of physical relationships or romantic feelings for each other.
- You are so much connected with each other and know each other’s secrets.
- You hug each other, and kiss each other, but don’t have a romantic relationship.
- You help your friend in her romantic relationship without a feeling of jealousy.
- If you get attracted to each other, you don’t express the feelings instead, you know your boundaries.
Also, read Types of Close Friendships
Boundaries of Platonic Friendship
Friendship is the best relationship in the world and the purest of all kinds, therefore, it is important to maintain boundaries in it. Some boundaries are must-haves, therefore, they should be maintained at any cost. However, other boundaries totally depend on your own preference and choice.
If you two are determined that the friendship should remain platonic then,
- Don’t try to flirt with your friend as it may make her feel uncomfortable and it may ruin your friendship with her.
- Always respect her personal space and don’t try to enquire into her romantic life. If she takes your help, limit yourself to a boundary.
- If you feel attracted to her, either make that feeling disappear or make yourself understand that you are in a platonic relationship and it is not going to work out.
- Spend time together but never try to get physical or force yourself on her. If you do that, it can harm your friendship negatively.
- Don’t ever try to poison her ear against her partner to make room for your love.
- Come clear about your friendship with her and never let anyone tease you using her name.
- If you are in a relationship, don’t let your platonic friend interfere between you and your partner.