When most people talk about "platonic relationships," they are referring to "an intimate companionship...characterized by the absence of sexual involvement." A close friendship between a man and a woman." Some people do not believe that men and women can truly have platonic relationships. Mista thinks differently..... thinking that the misconception here is that there will always be romantic tension between the friends or that one friend will want a physical relationship.
Smh ..... now, platonic relationships can be confusing at times.... when boundaries are crossed and they can be misunderstood by others <thinking the key word is "boundaries">>.... but romantic confusion can be avoided as long as both friends communicate.... honestly.
Having a platonic friend after divorce has benefited me and other relationships in my life. Such a friend offers a different perspective on careers, family and dating relationships. Getting the male or female perspective can help you see life in a new way. Some may think you would be crazy to be in one via facebook. But I would tell that experience different than crazy with RO... A platonic relationship is also beneficial in that a friend of the opposite sex will share interests that friends of the same sex may not. It might also be easier for a man to share his feelings with a platonic female friend than a male friend.
But I will share that....... there are two common risks in a platonic relationship. First, it is possible that one friend could develop romantic feelings toward his platonic friend. In this case, it is important that both friends are honest with one another to avoid future discomfort. The second risk is that a romantic partner will be jealous of the platonic friendship. The romantic partner may not understand the nature of the platonic friendship and the jealousy could ruin the romantic relationship.
Mista's 13 cents: Don't be afraid of "Platonic love" it is a chaste and strong type of love that is non-sexual. The most correct use of love of other human beings is to direct one's mind to love of divinity. In short, with genuine platonic love, the beautiful or lovely other person inspires the mind and the soul and directs one's attention to spiritual things.
Hmph!! Keeping a friendship platonic can be tough. I've shared some common risk.... So I'm sure... RO will share her opinion on .... some tips to maintain a platonic friendship...
(clearing my throat....ok...)
Ro has a platonic best friend of over 20 years. He is the craziest, most straight forward friend a girl could have. He's seen me at my worst AND at my best...and his love has NEVER wavered. Why? Because we are ourselves and no one else.
Im not gonna sit here and say we've never thought of crossing the line. That would be a lie. At the beginning of our friendship we considered a "relationship"....but, after a few days of trying, decided we would be better as "just friends" lol... and....we've never crossed that line again. We made a conscious decision to always be honest, (good, bad or other) and to always, always, communicate. Do we always see things the same? Hell no!! kmsl ...We voice our opinions...cuss, fuss, discuss...then get mad and/or get over it.
People question our relationship all the time. smh....They swear he's getting the cookies and we have a secret love affair...but the bottom line is....we love and respect each other as friends...nothing more. (Sidenote: Mista and I share that same love...just on a different level....but that's ANOTHER blog)
What Mista failed to mention in his spill was....most people use the term "platonic" love/friendship as a false pretense to hopefully a "blooming relationship".... In simpler terms...they say they just wanna be friends knowing darn well they wanna cut (hit it, get some...whatever u wanna call it). They think that once they get in, they have the perfect opportunity for a relationship. Sometimes...it works...other times, it backfires.
So....Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Platonic love/friendship can be refreshing and resourceful when it's exercised as it's meant to be. I know that bc I have platonic relationships....(Chico, Mista...) They keep me Acting Like a Lady and Thinking Like a Man.....they keep me honest...they call me out when Im wrong...but most importantly, they respect our friendship.
It doesn't have to be confusing...people make it that way. As long as you are true to urself AND ur friendship, it'll be drama free.
I don't know how Mista comes up with his number of cents so I can't give a number....I'll just say, that's Ro's couple of bits!!! :)
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