What is platonic attraction? (2023)

What does it mean to be attracted to someone Platonically?

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.

A platonic relationship is one in which two people share a close bond but do not have a sexual relationship. They may even feel love for each other, referred to as platonic love. This concept originates in the ideas of the ancient philosopher Plato, from whose name the term is derived.

Platonic friendship specifically refers to friendship between two people who could, in theory, feel attracted to each other.

The main difference between platonic and romantic relationships is that a platonic relationship doesn't involve any sexual intimacy. However, there may be limited physical intimacy in the form of hugs and holding hands.

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.

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 flirting is flirting with a platonic friend, with no intention of romance, and no desire for sex. You might find yourself giving your platonic friend compliments, touching their arm, or giggling with them. It's completely normal, and harmless, as long as both parties feel comfortable.

Platonic describes a relationship that is purely spiritual and not physical. If a guy and a girl hang out all the time but aren't boyfriend and girlfriend, they'd describe their friendship as platonic.

In other words, it's not easy having both a platonic and sexual relationship with someone. Platonic relationships can turn into erotic or romantic relationships, but most often the strength lies in the strong friendship.

How do you know if your crush is platonic?

Many friendships are purely platonic, meaning they do not include sexual or romantic feelings or expressions. However, although these friendships are possible and exist, some individuals experience love or sexual attraction for their friends. Others may notice that their friend is interested in them.

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."

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.

"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."

Often, people think that only forced intercourse, or rape, is really sexual assault, but any sexual activity performed without permission constitutes sexual assault. This can include kissing, exhibitionism (showing someone your genitals without permission), groping, and rape.

Friends do many things to show affection to each other such as kissing on cheeks, forehead or hugging or other type of non sexual physical contact. As far as kissing on lips is to be considered, it shows a form of intimacy but if you two are comfortable with it then it is completely ok.

Platonic crushes are also known as “squishes.” It happens when you want to be in a close relationship or friendship with someone, but there is no sexual attraction. They are particularly prevalent among asexuals and demisexuals. However, anyone can have a platonic crush.

Platonic flirting is flirting with a platonic friend, with no intention of romance, and no desire for sex. You might find yourself giving your platonic friend compliments, touching their arm, or giggling with them. It's completely normal, and harmless, as long as both parties feel comfortable.

Can you date someone Platonically?

Yes, platonic relationships are possible and are very common, just so long as both people's intentions and understanding of the relationship are the same. Of course, there may be instances where one person's feelings may develop and therefore interfere with the relationship.

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.