gender relationships, but that is merely because that is the most common circumstance in which it needs to be specified that a relationship is non-sexual. Same gendered relationships are usually assumed to be platonic, and therefore it is not explicitly mentioned.
I find platonic relationships to be of the most fulfilling type of friendships. Most people only have one romantic relationship at a time, while most of their other friendships are platonic friends. It isn't healthy to restrict your full attention to your romantic partner (girlfriends/boyfriends, husband or wives). There is a different kind of experience you get from having a platonic friend and it’s important to spend time with your friends.
Throughout a lifetime, people are likely to have many more platonic friends than any other type of friend. Romantic relationships come and go, but a good platonic friendship can last forever.
My main relationship a romantic relationship (my husband), but that doesn't mean I value my platonic friends any less. I have known most of my platonic friends way longer than I known my husband. In some ways I am closer to my platonic friends than I am to the man I'm married to. My platonic friends have helped me through failed relationships, and are always there when I need someone to talk with. There are just some things that are easier to talk about with a platonic friend than a husband.
You can't rely on romantic relationships to fulfill all of your needs. You need platonic friends to share other aspects of friendship with. They provide a different kind of relationship, but one that is just as important. Can you imagine if your boyfriend or girlfriend was your only friend? The relationship can become stifling. It’s always important to meet new people and be around other people besides your partner. You should never have to give up platonic friendships in favor of a romantic relationship.
Some men can feel threatened if their girlfriend has a platonic friend who is male. If the friendship is truly platonic that means there are no romantic feelings on either side. It should not threaten the relationship at all. Never let a romantic partner convince you to give up a good platonic friend. I’ve had a platonic male friend for over 15 years, and he’s one of my best friends. My husband was completely understanding and they have become good friends as well. My platonic male friend was at my wedding and I was at his. It’s a fantastic relationship.
There is a balance in life maintaining time spent with both platonic friends and your romantic partner. Most people spend most of their time with a partner. One of the benefits of having a platonic friendship is that it does not require as much time as a romantic relationship. If you don’t talk to your friends every day, it’s not big deal. A good platonic friend is always there for you every if some time has gone by. Platonic friendships tend to be the kind that don't take much time or effort, but are always there for you when you need them. |
