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Yes, yes, here, too, you can make a mistake and do everything wrong. We tell you which ways to build a platonic relationship are the most reliable.
A platonic relationship is a relationship that does not involve romance or sexual intimacy. But they suggest emotional and spiritual intimacy.
Experts disagree on whether people can maintain a long-term platonic relationship with each other if their sexual orientation suggests a mutual romantic interest. To make this possible, you need to follow the basic rules.
1. Be honest about your feelings
You should talk openly and honestly about why you want to be or remain just friends. It can be mutual deep respect, admiration or common interests.
2. Set healthy boundaries together
All relationships should have healthy boundaries. That is, the rules that tell both of you how you can communicate and treat a partner. But they must be clearly articulated — it’s unreasonable to expect the other person to guess what you like or dislike.
It is especially important in a platonic relationship to determine how emotionally close you want to communicate. To do this, you need to establish communication rules: how you will greet each other, what topics will be taboo.
3. Refrain from excessive physical contact
Avoiding romantic touch is an equally important rule. Hugging or holding hands suggests closer physical contact, which can trigger chemistry. If you agree to greet each other with hugs, keep them light and quick.
4. Give each other space
The need to always be attentive affects the formation of a relationship with a person who is not your partner. Refrain from being anxious or intrusive so as not to give the impression that you are in a relationship. Pay attention to how you interact when you are talking or in the same space. And don’t spend time alone at home: talking behind closed doors can send the wrong message or start a fire.
5. Avoid talking about sex
Presenting anything of a sexual nature can cause inappropriate sexual urges. The nature of your connection will automatically change with sexual intimacy and can ruin a relationship pretty quickly. If sex happens, pretending nothing happened is not easy, especially if someone has romantic feelings and they are not mutual. Ask yourself if you are willing to lose this relationship for a moment of pleasure.
6. Tell your partner about your friend
You may be tempted to avoid conflict with your partner or spouse by keeping your platonic friendship a secret. Tell your girlfriend or boyfriend about your friend, make your partner feel included in your life.
A supportive partner should understand and respect your need for friendship outside of the relationship. By putting your partner first, and even introducing them to your friend, you can also reduce your loved one’s insecurities or any fear of being abandoned.
7. Don’t «date»
Cross out romantic dates, night outs, weekend trips without your partner, and watching TV shows alone at home.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been friends for a long time, or if you think that everyone’s feelings are under control. A certain setting can trigger romantic interest or desire more easily than if you met for dinner in a public place. Save dates, romantic gestures, and cozy surroundings for your partner or spouse.