What is a platonic relationship? What does that even mean? In this day and age, it can be hard to know how to differentiate between friends, partners or something else. And when you’re trying to date in the city, it gets even trickier!
An exclusive relationship where two people remain friends without any romantic element may seem like an oxymoron to some. But not so fast. A platonic relationship is one of the best things that can happen to your life right now.
You see, having a platonic friend gives you a chance to see them as just friends without any romantic attachment. But that’s not all; here are some reasons why you should embrace the idea of a purely platonic relationship ASAP:
They give you a sense of security and comfort.
When you have a good friend who accepts every part of you, you won’t have to worry about what you’re doing. You can be yourself, and not have to worry about making a bad impression or trying to impress someone. Plus, when you have a friend who is not a romantic partner, it gives you a chance to be the person you really are without any kind of pressure.
A platonic relationship is a perfect place to explore your personality, discover new interests and even try new activities. You don’t want to make a mistake when dating and accidentally offend your partner. Plus, there’s a sense of security in knowing that you have someone who will be there for you in any situation, no matter what.
They help you gain confidence and self-esteem.
Having a friend is one of the best ways to grow and develop, and having a platonic relationship is no exception. When you are around someone who knows who you are and accepts you for who you are, it gives you an extra boost of confidence and self-esteem. You don’t have to worry about impressing them or being someone you’re not.
In fact, a good friend will let you know when you’re being silly, and you can be yourself around them without judgement. In fact, studies have shown that those with a strong support system, particularly a close friend, tend to have higher self-esteem, more confidence and improved mental health.
They can make you a better person.
A good friend can help you learn from their mistakes, have more empathy and be more compassionate. If you have a friend who you know loves you and is there for you, you can feel comfortable opening up to them and telling them anything. You don’t want to be in a romantic relationship and be afraid to express yourself because you’re worried about offending your partner.
And you don’t want to be in a romantic relationship where you can’t be yourself and show your true colours. A friend gives you that freedom, and allows you to truly be yourself without being afraid of judgement. As a result, you have more opportunities to learn from them. And you have the chance to be a better person because of it.
It’s okay to have just friendships with the same gender.
You don’t have to be in a romantic relationship with the same gender to be viewed as inappropriate. But unfortunately, many people don’t understand this and will make judgements. But why do we have to make distinctions between friendships?
This stems from the stigma that men and women can’t be just friends. The thing is, men and women can be just friends and have a platonic relationship. There’s no harm or wrongdoing by having a platonic relationship with the same gender.
However, the issue arises when people start to make assumptions about it. Having a friend with the same gender shouldn’t be a cause for concern or judgement. Make sure you stand up for yourself and don’t let others put you down for having a friendship that’s considered a no-no.
5. Conclusion
Having a platonic relationship can have tons of benefits for both you and your friend. It can help boost your confidence, help you develop as a person, and even strengthen your communication skills. With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why you should try having a platonic friend.
