Platonic Relationships - The Prognosis for a Platonic Love Relationship

Platonic relationships come in different forms: friendship, relationships between close relatives, and non-sexual love between two individuals of the opposite or same sex.

Platonic love was first interpreted by the Greek philosopher Plato, who lived between 400-300 BC.

Back then, many Greek aristocrats were involved in same-sex (male) relationships, often platonic.

This type of relationship was considered to be a gift from the Gods, and it was supposed to bring the partners closer to divine beauty, wisdom, and spirituality.

As time went by (especially in the last two centuries), the meaning of "platonic" has changed. Today, "platonic love" most often means a close friendship between two opposite sex individuals, with the absence of sex and romance.

There are numerous books and movies that describe platonic affection in its modern sense.

Most of them have a "happy ending", where the partners turn from best friends to passionate lovers, and live happily ever after.

In reality, there is a large chance of a potential heartbreak and most of these relationships do not last.

Feelings can Change

People naturally have a biological sexual attraction to the opposite sex (or same sex in some cases).

Many couples start as friends first, and then turn into lovers. If both partners in a platonic relationship also develop romantic feelings, they will enter a romantic relationship.

The problems arise when one partner's feelings turn from platonic to romantic, while another partner remains in the platonic stage.

Unless the now-romantic friend can suppress or ignore their feelings, this relationship and friendship may end with a painful separation.

In fairness, some non-sexual relationships last for decades, creating a truly fulfilling friendship.

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