What is a Platonic Relationship?
Every love is different, every relationship is different. Read this article and find out what defines a platonic relationship!
✍️ July 8, 2022
- 🤩 What is a Platonic Relationship?
- 💛 Platonic Relationship Rules
- 😎 More Rules for a Platonic Relationship
- 💕 Questions to ask before taking things further in a platonic relationship
This article will tell you everything you need to know about platonic relationships. From the definition of platonic love, the rules of a platonic relationship, and questions to ask yourself to see if you are ready for a platonic relationship, this article has it all.
What is a Platonic Relationship?
A platonic relationship is a close friendship between two people who are not romantic partners or dating each other. The term “platonic” comes from the Greek philosopher Plato, who described these types of relationships in his writings.
Platonic love is non-romantic and is not focused on sexual attraction. Instead, it is a deep and genuine affection for someone, without any sexual desire or romantic feelings. This type of love is often seen in close friendships, as well as between other loved ones.
While platonic love is often associated with positive qualities like trust and respect, it can also come with challenges. In order to maintain a successful platonic relationship, both parties need to be on the same page about what they want and expect from the friendship. That’s why there are certain rules for platonic relationships. Read on to learn about the do’s and don’ts of platonic relationships!
👉 Do you want to know more about different types of relationships? Read this to become familiar with 7 Different Types of Romantic Relationships!
Platonic Relationship Rules
If you want to maintain a platonic relationship, there are a few rules you should follow.
1. No sex.
This is probably the most obvious rule of a platonic relationship. Platonic love is non-sexual, so any physical intimacy beyond hugging or holding hands is off-limits.
2. No romantic feelings.
Platonic relationships are built on friendship, not romance. This means that there should be no romantic feelings or attraction between the two of you. If you find yourself attracted to your platonic friend, it’s important to communicate this to them and figure out if you can still maintain a platonic relationship.
3. Communicate about your expectations.
One of the most important things to do in a platonic relationship is to communicate with each other about your expectations. It’s important to be on the same page about what you both want and need from the friendship. This can help to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings down the road.
4. Be honest with each other.
Honesty is key in any kind of relationship, but it’s especially important in a platonic friendship. You should feel comfortable being open and honest with your friend about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This level of honesty will help to keep your friendship strong.
5. Respect each other’s boundaries.
Just like in any relationship, it’s important to respect each other’s boundaries in a platonic friendship. This means being understanding and considerate of your friend’s needs and feelings. If you’re not sure what their boundaries are, be sure to ask! For example, you might ask if it’s okay to hug them or if they prefer not to be touched.
More Rules for a Platonic Relationship
Here are a few more things to keep in mind if you want to maintain a platonic relationship:
1. Avoid talking about romantic or sexual topics.
Since platonic relationships are built on friendship, it’s important to avoid talking about romantic or sexual topics. This can create unnecessary tension and make one or both of you feel uncomfortable.
If you find yourselves talking about these types of topics, it’s important to redirect the conversation back to something more platonic. For example, you might say, “I’m not comfortable talking about that with you. Can we talk about something else?”
2. Don’t get jealous if your friend talks to other people.
Jealousy is a normal emotion, but it’s important to keep it in check if you want to maintain a platonic relationship. If your friend talks to other people, don’t get jealous. Remember that your friend is allowed to have other friends and relationships.
3. Don’t flirt with each other.
Flirting is a form of romantic behavior, so it’s important to avoid if you want to maintain a platonic friendship. For example, you might avoid complimenting your friend on their physical appearance or giving them compliments that are too personal. However, for some friends, a little bit of harmless flirting can be fun and add some excitement to the friendship. If you’re not sure whether your friend is okay with this, it’s always best to ask first!
4. Don’t spend all of your time together.
It’s important to have other friends and interests outside of your platonic friendship. Just like in any relationship, it’s important to have some space and alone time. So don’t feel like you need to spend every waking moment with your platonic friend!
5. Communication is key!
Be sure to talk about your platonic relationship and check in with each other regularly. This will help to ensure that you’re both on the same page and help to prevent any misunderstandings.
5 Questions to ask yourself before entering into a platonic relationship
When considering whether or not to enter into a platonic relationship, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions first. Find out now if a platonic relationship is right for you!
1. What are your intentions?
It’s important to be honest with yourself about what you’re looking for in a relationship. If you’re not sure, take some time to think about it before getting too involved.
2. What do you want and need from this friendship?
Do you want a close, emotional bond? Or are you simply looking for someone to spend time with? Be sure to communicate your needs and expectations to your potential friend.
👉 Suggested read: Open Relationship | Facts, Rules and Pros & Cons
3. Can you handle being just friends?
If you find yourself attracted to your platonic friend, it’s important to ask yourself if you can handle being just friends. If not, it might be best to steer clear of a platonic relationship.
4. Do your expectations align with what your friend wants and needs?
It’s important that you and your friend are on the same page about what you both want and need from the friendship. If not, it could lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings down the road.
5. Would dating or a romantic relationship be an option for you?
If you’re not sure if you could handle being just friends, it’s important to ask yourself if dating or a romantic relationship would be an option for you. If the answer is yes, talk with your friend about it.
Only you can decide if a platonic relationship is right for you. But if you’re looking for close, emotional bonds without the complications of romance, a platonic friendship might just be what you need!
👉 Are you looking for some questions to ask your (potential) partner?, feel free to check out our 70 Great Relationship Questions!
Mistakes that can ruin a platonic friendship if made
There are common mistakes that can quickly ruin a platonic friendship if not careful. These can include:
- Not being honest with each other
- Not respecting each other’s boundaries
- Not communicating about your expectations
- Trying to make the friendship more than what it is
- Not being considerate of each other’s feelings
The best way to avoid making these mistakes is to be honest, open, and considerate of each other from the start. If you can do that, you’ll be on your way to maintaining a strong platonic relationship!
👉 Do you want to improve your relationship? Check out our article about How to Have a Healthy Relationship!
If you’re looking for advice on strengthening your relationships, check out these books. They offer tips on everything from communication to conflict resolution and can help you build a stronger, more lasting bond with your partner!
- Love: The Psychology of Attraction: A Practical Guide to Successful Dating and a Happy Relationship
- Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age
- The Power of Four Bases for Relationships: Can You Hit a Home Run in a Relationship?
- Couple’s Bucket List: 101 Fun, Engaging Dating Ideas
- Helping Gay Men Find Love: Tips for Guys on Dating and Beginning a Healthy Relationship
