Can romantic relationships be platonic?

[bongo]

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When we think of romance, images of candlelit dinners, hand-holding, and tender gazes often come to mind. Romantic relationships typically involve some element of physical or emotional intimacy that suggests a connection beyond just friends.

Platonic love is different. Picture your best friend from college or that buddy you can always count on – that's the platonic zone. It's all about a deep bond without the sparks flying or the desire for a romantic relationship.

Now, can a romantic relationship be platonic? That's kind of like asking if a cat can be a dog – they're just not the same thing by definition. But let's unpack it a bit, because human relationships are beautifully complex.

Sometimes, folks might be in a relationship that seems romantic to the outside world, but deep down, they know it's not headed for the romance novels. They care for each other deeply, are committed, but the firework feelings? Not there. This could happen for a myriad of reasons, like if one person is aromantic – meaning they don't feel romantic attraction.

Or consider this: Two people start off with hearts in their eyes, but as time goes by, the romance fades and they realize they're better off as pals. They still love each other, but it's more like a favorite sweater kind of comfort, not a racing heartbeat kind of love.

There are also folks who have such a strong friendship that others might wonder, "Is there something more?" But for them, it's a resounding "nope" – they're perfectly happy in their buddy bubble.

So, while we typically don't label romantic relationships as platonic because they're kind of opposites, relationships themselves are not one-size-fits-all. They're unique, fluid, and sometimes, they dance along the line between romance and friendship. The key thing is that everyone involved is on the same page. As long as that's the case, labels matter less than the happiness of the people in the relationship.

[Anonymous]

Romantic relationships typically involve romantic feelings, while platonic relationships are non-romantic. However, some people may have close friendships with elements of emotional intimacy without romantic involvement. It's possible for individuals to have deep, platonic connections with someone they care about deeply, even if society may label it as a romantic relationship due to its intensity. The boundaries between different types of relationships can be fluid and vary from person to person.

[Simslover92]

Nope because if you're in a romantic relationship then it can't be platonic. Platonic means on a friendly level meaning no kissing, no sex no intimacy whatsoever where romantic relationships include all of that.

[VanityFair888]

Absolutely.

Wouldn't work for me though, because for me sex is quite as important

[OlderAndWiser]

If you define the terms "romantic" and "platonic," the question will answer itself.

[Billlewis]

All that matters to me is that she's having sex with another guy occasionally. She doesn't have to have sex with me, other than maybe letting me service her orally from time to time.

[SamIam96]

Sure, it can work. But why would you want that? Sex is completely natural and enjoyable progression in a relationship.

[Jbear27]

Platonic and romantic are opposites. So no. You can stary platonic and then it can transition to romantic. But it can’t be both.

[Unit1]

That's like asking can fire be cold.

There are romantic relationships and platonic friendships and they are not exactly the same.

[Goahead76]

By very definition no. Like saying can the color black be also white. Can a relationship change from one thing to another, definitely.

[Blueeyes81]

If the two are asexual it could. If not I think it would be incredibly difficult.

[Anonymous]

You mean can you have a relationship without sex? I suppose you could

[rabkeduo]

your question privileges need to be revoked

[FreyaRed]

Maybe.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely.