Is it necessary for a romantic relationship to have a sexual component (e. g. sex/kissing)?

[Anonymous]

Yes

No

[XXTruthfulOgrexx]

Personally, yes. Physical intimacy is very important in keeping a relationship healthy.

If you see such relationships missing those to any great degree, it can and often does create an emotional void which can easily lead to a sexual mismatch and infidelity. If you pay attention you will find stories where people are resorting to "open relationship " dynamics to try and fill those missing voids.

[PeachyPie93]

It isn't necessary if you just have romantic feelings for somebody. But there comes a point where you feel like you two aren't really bonded since it isn't sexual and it can start to feel lonely, even if you really love them. Like I had a friend I really liked a lot and wanted it to be sexual but he never made a move after we were kids, so even though we would hangout after school alone at least once a week it did start to feel lonely.

[PBandJ_Nerd]

I think sex in a relationship is just a bonus. But the main part of a romantic relationship is the connection you have with them, love, etc. So it can thrive without sex or very little sex if that's what you were wondering.

[AviatorTom]

It's not absolutely necessary, but it helps.

[DishLady]

Honestly? in my opinion, no. The physical is a great perk, but feelings are feelings and can make a person’s heart soar in a transformative way that rocks their world.

[Asker]

So, what is the difference between a romantic relationship and friendship?

[DishLady]

The types of feelings. Both friendly (platonic) comradery and romantic love can be very intense.

[Asker]

What are some examples to illustrate romantic love versus friendly comradery?

[DishLady]

You can look up "Platonic Love" and compare it to "Eros" (the ancient root word for "erotic") and to "Courtly Love" (which is the very existential romantic stuff)... There are tons of examples in movies, literature... and even the local cafe/park where you see the three models:

Model 1: Two people reading and sunning themselves together or sharing jokes, blah blah blah.

Model 2: Two people who can't take their hands off each other, like dogs in heat right there in the middle of the cafe/park/what have you.

Model 3: Two people with the goofy "stargazing" look, holding hands or cuddling and being sweeter on eo than stripes on a candy cane...

Other examples you can look up...

[Asker]

Is Model 1 an example of a romantic relationship? Also, I notice Model 2 and Model 3 involve physical contact so my next question is: Is it necessary for a romantic relationship to have physical contact?

[DishLady]

Nope. As I said, those are the key words… please look it up and you’ll find all the details you need.

[Yazu-chan]

No, it’s not necessary. Is it nice to have? Yes, but a relationship can thrive without it.

[Asker]

So, what is the difference between a romantic relationship and friendship?

[Yazu-chan]

In a romantic relationship, there's an added level of intimacy, attraction, emotional connection, and possibly future plans for partnership or life together such as blending/creating families, assets, etc. In a friendship, the bond is based on shared interests, support, companionship, and emotional connection without the romantic element.

[Shy_Steve]

The relationship needs to progress somehow otherwise you don't want either of you to get bored.

Wether it's Love or Friendship it needs to be alive and progress otherwise it won't last.