what is platonic friendship

A platonic friendship is a close friendship between two people who are not dating or having sex. It is a non-sexual relationship between two people who have the potential to be romantically or sexually attracted to each other. Platonic friendships can be very close and meaningful, but they do not have a romantic element. Examples could include a friendship between two gay men, two gay women, or a heterosexual man and a heterosexual woman. Platonic friendships are intentional and mutual, and both people honestly want to be friends. The concept of the "friend zone" is typically steeped in misogyny, suggesting that women should always be romantically available to men. A platonic friendship may lack a sexual or romantic component, and platonic friends may think of each other outside of a committed partnership and enjoy a connection where they do activities together, talk about their lives, or partake in affectionate, friendly actions like hugging. Boundaries are one of the most important elements of maintaining a healthy platonic friendship. They help protect your emotional well-being, and by honoring another person’s boundaries, you demonstrate respect for their needs.