Comment on What is the difference between a platonic and a romantic relationship?
njordomir@lemmy.world 22 hours ago
I don’t know if I could have a romantic relationship without some sort of sexual feelings involved or at least a potential for them.
- A relationship is platonic if I want to spend time with someone doing things but don’t want to cuddle, have sex, or kiss.
- A relationship is sexual if sex is the focus, though friendship may be present.
- A relationship is romantic when both sex and friendship are focused.
Let me just say that this is my answer and there is no right answer. It’s more important to clearly communicate your desires and ask other people about theirs.
These semi-arbitrary lines exist to help you learn to paint, but ultimately, you and your partner(s) are the artists of your relationships and if you’re painting with the right person(s) you can paint however you want, though you should act ethically and respect other’s self-determination.
blarghly@lemmy.world 19 hours ago
Basically the view I have. What do you call a romantic partner you don’t have sex with? A friend.
If there’s no sex or sexual tension, there is no romance.
njordomir@lemmy.world 10 hours ago
Agreed, and friends are great. To expand even further: The fact that romance/friendship exists as a dichotomy rather than a spectrum or a pick-and-choose DIY relationship grab bag is testament to the way many people expect their partner to be their person, their one and only, when in reality we should be in the supportive community of friends and want the same for our partners. I want my partner to have friends because I can’t put up with their shit 24/7 … and vice versa!
There’s also a stereotype about the friend zone, but even as a straight dude I’ve dated a few friends. The key is to date people you like as your friends, not to pick your “friends” so you can get close enough to date them. It’s friendship+, not friendshipOR.