Humans are complex beings and so are the relations they form with different people over their lifetime. While people define platonic friendships and relationships for themselves, the simplest one is an intimate and close friendship between two people who at the time do not have any romantic or sexual attraction toward each other. A platonic friendship can be meaningful and very close but it cannot be a platonic relationship or friends with benefits. Following rules and boundaries in platonic friendships can help you keep a healthy friendship.
What Does Platonic Friendships Mean?
A platonic friendship means a friendship between two people who could potentially get attracted to each other according to theories. There is a very thin line between being in a platonic friendship and falling in love with them. Even though all friendships are essentially platonic by definition, there are some other things you should know. If you move beyond being “just friends” then your friendship is not platonic anymore. Because if you act upon your feelings if you have any, then you moved into being friends with benefits.
Also Read: If a healthy friendship is all that you want in your life, then you should make sure nothing goes wrong in it.
Are Platonic Friendships Possible? 10 Ways To Make It Work
Platonic friendships are certainly possible between people whether they are of the same sex or opposite sex. There are some rules and boundaries in platonic friendships that people should follow for healthy friendships.
1. Check That You Don’t Flirt With Him
While you may flirt with your friend at times thinking that it is harmless, it can cause a ruckus you may not expect. So, don’t send the signals or flirt just to get some attention. Your friend will either bolt away feeling uncomfortable or reciprocate. Either way, you will lose a friend.
2. Avoid Getting Too Comfortable
Things like casually hugging and cuddling while watching TV may seem unusual to an outsider but it is ok if you are friends since childhood. The comfort level differs for different people. So, in general, avoid getting into things that may create sexual tension between the two of you.
3. Be Respectful To Each Other’s Partner
Being respectful to his partner as well as your own in front of him is of utmost importance in male-female platonic friendships. If not, things could get out of hand. You also don’t want to seem like a mean friend who wouldn’t respect their friend in public or before their partner.
4. No One-To-One Hangouts Ever
Going to a club or partying should always be a group thing with your close friends. Otherwise, it would seem like a date and not a friend’s hangout plan. Moreover, arranging candle-lit dinners and sending special gifts are for people who are planning to date or are dating. These are a big no!
5. Treat Him Like Your Girlfriends
Treating your guy friend, the same as your female friends is a necessary gesture to show that you hold every one of them special. You don’t dress up when your girlfriends come over. Apply these same rules to your platonic guy friends. Enjoy your friendship without dragging complex things into it.
6. Don’t Play Tricks To Get His Attention
Playing tricks and games will not only make you look desperate but silly as well. Using tricks like showering him with gifts and attention is lame. Remember that you cannot deceive a person all the time. He will eventually know and is going to leave you.
7. Never Plan Vacation Alone With Him
If your whole fang is planning a vacation and a group of friends is there together then there is no issue being with that close friend. But if everyone canceled the vacation plan, you should not go along with that only friend. This situation always makes your platonic friendships fall.
8. Introduce Him To Your Family And Friends
Your family and friends group should know your platonic friend. This also applies to your work spouse, and the platonic friends you have at your workplace. They will get to know your close buddy and be at ease that you think of him as a brother and nothing more.
9. Avoid Sharing Private Matters With Him
Sharing private situations and stuff makes you vulnerable in front of your friend. And if you share private things like your current relationship with your boyfriend, this creates a mess. You will be creating unnecessary conflicts and resentments by doing this.
10. Don’t Do Couple Things Together
Wearing matching shirts when there’s just the two of you or purposely matching your outfit style when you go out is unacceptable. Even though people wear friendship rings or bracelets, these things are never meant for only two friends alone. Also, gifting chocolates and flowers on Valentine’s day can be misjudged between you two.
5 Signs Of Platonic Friendships – You Might Be In One!
How to tell if you are being in a platonic friendship and love them like your brother or sister or you want to date them. The following signs can clear this up for you.
1. You Don’t Feel Jealous Of His Relationships
The first sign to look for is whether or not you mind about his past and current relationships. If you are unconcerned about his dating life and relationships, and you don’t hate his partner, it means you are purely platonic friends.
2.You Can Be Silent And Not Awkward
You don’t feel the need to always find jokes and stuff to talk about. Silence doesn’t make you awkward. This is a great sign of a strong friendship which shows that you are comfortable enough to enjoy each other’s company.
3. You Would Never Date Him
You never thought of being in a romantic relationship with him. You always thought of him as a brother, a supportive friend, and a close buddy. This indicates that you are enjoying the perks of platonic friendships without making things complex.
4. You Are Transparent About Him
You have never once tried to hide his existence from your family or other friends. You are clear about him and everyone around knows how much you care about each other as friends. The close friendship you have is as clear as the sky.
5. You Feel Distance Is Never A Problem
Whether you are in one neighborhood or oceans apart, you always find ways to connect. But distance doesn’t bother you at all. It is understandable when he is your only support in a new place before you make friends in a new city.
People of the same sex or opposite sex, whether they are gay or straight can enjoy platonic friendships. Some people were platonic friends, then started dating, then decided to stay in platonic friendships after a breakup. They will then again become platonic friends. Sometimes, people may develop romantic feelings for each other in a platonic friendship. But if they keep a check of their boundaries, there is nothing to worry about.
Also Read: Planning a trip with your friends to nice places is worth it if you want to enjoy your prime time of life. However, avoid going alone with only one of your friends.
