A romantic relationship is a close relationship to another person that involves deep friendship as well as physical intimacy and sex, and maybe even love. A platonic relationship is a relationship between friends, and while these relationships can be loving, they are not physically intimate.
Alterous Attraction. It means that you have an ambiguous attraction to a person that you basically can't distinguish as either platonic or romantic or sexual. For example, you might feel a deep friendship with someone, but also think it might be nice to date them; you'd be fine and happy either way.
In general, the more emotional you feel about a certain person, the more likely you are experiencing love. For example, you might feel chemistry with your friend because you both laugh at the same jokes and have an easy time talking to each other. When you love someone these feelings are more intense.
You probably like someone for more than just their attention if you think of them all the time, even when they aren't around. If you ask them to do things on the weekend, and you initiate conversations because you are thinking about them, you're very likely having strong feelings about them.
Platonic kissing is defined as a kiss between two people who are not in a romantic relationship and do not have romantic feelings toward one another. As “kissing the homies” is normalized more within younger generations, students shared their opinions about getting more intimate with their friends.
It's sharing your deepest thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Platonic intimacy simply means you have all of these things, minus the sexual or romantic expression.
It is possible to desire physical intimacy (such as hugging, kissing, or touching) or sex with the other person but not be engaged in these activities. If no physical intimacy or sex exists between you and the other person, it is a platonic relationship—even if the desire is there.
Just because the practice of platonic kissing isn't familiar to you doesn't mean it's not common elsewhere. "Platonic lip kissing is found in cultures around the world, between friends, family, and sometimes even strangers as a means of greeting," says Allison Moon, author of "Girl Sex 101."
Samantha Hess, the organizer of the first ever cuddling convention, demonstrates a series of platonic cuddling positions. For this position, one person lies on their side with knees slightly bent while the other rests their head on the other's knees. Hess says this position provides a sense of security and protection.
Don't be fooled by the word “platonic” – it just means nothing physical happened, including kissing and sex. At the end of the day, if you got into bed with someone you're attracted to, chances are it still means something, even if you did nothing but sleep side by side.
Yes, platonic friends – just friends with no romantic or sexual attraction – can experience physical intimacy like cuddling. You might also hug or hold hands.
“Platonic touch” refers to any physical contact that isn't sexual. High-fiving a friend, hugging your date goodnight, and even giving a long-term girlfriend a back rub all count as platonic touch. It so happens that physical touching is one of the two key elements of building physical intimacy.
Platonic love involves deep affection, but no romantic or sexual attraction. It's absolutely possible for people of any gender to maintain a friendship without sexual tension or attraction. When you love someone platonically, you might notice some basic signs of love.
You might think you have a platonic friendship when in reality, you just don't know how they feel. It's not unusual to develop romantic feelings for a friend, especially if you spend a lot of time together. Taking care to set boundaries (and respect theirs) going forward can help you maintain your friendship.
Platonic infatuation can be thought of as uncontrollable feelings of attraction to another person, but without the desire to form a romantic or sexual bond.
Length and timing. A quick squeeze is usually platonic. The longer the hug lasts, the more likely it is that they have romantic feelings for you. Take timing into account, too.
Holding Hands Is a Sign of Friendship Around the World
For most people in Western cultures, holding hands is considered unusual outside of romantic relationships. For some, the idea seems downright uncomfortable. In many other parts of the world, however, there's nothing unusual about it at all.
The relationship remains an emotional and spiritual one between people who love, care for, and respect each other. Purely platonic love is open and honest, respects boundaries, and has no romantic expectations or conditions.
A situationship is that space between a committed relationship and something that is more than a friendship.
A platonic relationship is a relationship between friends, and while these relationships can be loving, they are not physically intimate. It's possible that you may find yourself in a platonic relationship, even if you have romantic feelings for the other person.
Spooning can be platonic cuddling or a prelude to sexual activity. If the person you're spooning with isn't your romantic partner, it's helpful to set boundaries. If one person feels sexual and the other person doesn't, it can lead to an uncomfortable situation.
Intimacy between friends, a.k.a. platonic intimacy, is basically what it sounds like: the intimacy you'd have with a partner, but without the sex or romance. It's “a shared vulnerability, a shared feeling of safety,” Francsique says.