Updated 08/17/23When we think about meaningful relationships, the thought generally focuses on something romantic. But there are actually many different types of relationships that are just as important, such as the love and consideration for one’s parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren, as well as the connection between two good friends. These platonic relationships provide valuable emotional bonds between two people that are rooted in shared interests, beliefs, and world-views. Although there is no romantic or sexual element to this type of close relationship, the impact can be just as meaningful and beneficial for your health.

Updated 08/17/23

When we think about meaningful relationships, the thought generally focuses on something romantic. But there are actually many different types of relationships that are just as important, such as the love and consideration for one’s parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren, as well as the connection between two good friends. These platonic relationships provide valuable emotional bonds between two people that are rooted in shared interests, beliefs, and world-views. Although there is no romantic or sexual element to this type of close relationship, the impact can be just as meaningful and beneficial for your health.

The Health Benefits of Platonic Relationships

There are many benefits to experiencing love, and platonic love is no exception. For a relationship to be considered platonic, two people must experience a deep connection that does not in any way lead to sexual intimacy. It often involves two people of the opposite sex, but can also take shape for those of the same gender if both individuals are not heterosexual. In any case, you do not need to be romantically involved to enjoy the rich benefits of being in a healthy platonic relationship. Some of these life-changing benefits include:

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Strengthen your relationship through couples therapy you can participate in together or apart, at your convenience.

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How to Maintain a Platonic Relationship

Some psychologistsbelieveany relationship where two people enjoy each other’s company, whether personal or professional, will contain some type of sexual tension. Even if no physical action is taken on the sexual desire, the desire is suppressed in some way. For instance, platonic friends may decide to keep things simple and not become romantic or engage in physical intimacy, as lines and boundaries can become blurred when sex enters the picture. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy the benefits of platonic relationships without ever getting romantic.

Setting boundaries

Whenever possible, be mindful of what is said and done when you are together to maintain the openness of a platonic relationship. Be sure to avoid saying anything that could be misconstrued or be perceived as a mixed signal, especially if you know the other person in the platonic friendship has romantic feelings for you. By setting clear boundaries, being upfront and honest about any romantic feelings and keeping your words and actions completely neutral, you can better stave off any romantic feelings within a non-sexual relationship.

What to Do If Your Platonic Relationship Becomes RomanticIf both individuals decide to move forward sexually, then there are a few things that may occur. If the expressed physical intimacy is a positive experience, it can possibly make the relationship stronger and even promote and strengthen new types of bonds. On the other hand, if it is not a positive experience, this added sexual intimacy can be detrimental to a platonic relationship. There may be instances where one of the individuals feels a romantic urge, while the other does not, making it difficult to keep the non-sexual relationship intact.If you are in a close relationship with a good friend and are thinking about bringing up the subject of sex, there is an opportunity to talk to your therapist to see how you can preserve the relationship as purely platonic. After all, the physical and emotional benefits of building and maintaining healthy platonic relationships can be life-changing, offering a significant impact on your happiness and quality of life.Celebrating relationships where you have a deep love for one another is an important connection built on shared interests and world-views — one that is worth preserving.

What to Do If Your Platonic Relationship Becomes Romantic

If both individuals decide to move forward sexually, then there are a few things that may occur. If the expressed physical intimacy is a positive experience, it can possibly make the relationship stronger and even promote and strengthen new types of bonds. On the other hand, if it is not a positive experience, this added sexual intimacy can be detrimental to a platonic relationship. There may be instances where one of the individuals feels a romantic urge, while the other does not, making it difficult to keep the non-sexual relationship intact.

If you are in a close relationship with a good friend and are thinking about bringing up the subject of sex, there is an opportunity to talk to your therapist to see how you can preserve the relationship as purely platonic. After all, the physical and emotional benefits of building and maintaining healthy platonic relationships can be life-changing, offering a significant impact on your happiness and quality of life.

Celebrating relationships where you have a deep love for one another is an important connection built on shared interests and world-views — one that is worth preserving.

What’s the Difference Between a Platonic Partner and a Platonic Friendship?

What sets a platonic partner apart from a platonic friendship is the intensity of emotional involvement and the sense of interdependence. While in a platonic friendship, people share mutual interests and enjoy spending time together, a platonic partnership often involves a stronger reliance on each other for emotional support, cohabitation, and making important life decisions. It’s an extraordinary bond that can bring immense fulfillment and stability to individuals seeking a lifelong connection without the romantic aspect.

TakeawaysA platonic relationship is a beautiful and multifaceted connection that defies societal norms and expectations. It proves that deep emotional intimacy and support can thrive without the romantic or sexual elements commonly associated with traditional partnerships. In this extraordinary bond, individuals can find solace, understanding, and a lifelong companion who complements their journey without the pressures of romance.Platonic relationships offer a safe space for vulnerability, genuine friendship, and unwavering support, making them a valuable and enriching aspect of human connections. Whether it’s a platonic friendship or a platonic life partner, these relationships remind us of the boundless potential for love and companionship that transcends societal norms and stands the test of time.

Takeaways

A platonic relationship is a beautiful and multifaceted connection that defies societal norms and expectations. It proves that deep emotional intimacy and support can thrive without the romantic or sexual elements commonly associated with traditional partnerships. In this extraordinary bond, individuals can find solace, understanding, and a lifelong companion who complements their journey without the pressures of romance.

Platonic relationships offer a safe space for vulnerability, genuine friendship, and unwavering support, making them a valuable and enriching aspect of human connections. Whether it’s a platonic friendship or a platonic life partner, these relationships remind us of the boundless potential for love and companionship that transcends societal norms and stands the test of time.

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