The Benefits of Platonic Love

The benefits of platonic love: Platonic love, or the love shared between friends, can be nourishing, fulfilling, and a source of support as we journey through life. Over the years, research has consistently highlighted the importance of strong social bonds, and platonic friendships are often a key part of these networks. Read on to learn more about the benefits of platonic love, how having a platonic friend can enrich your life, and how to build more of these types of relationships.

What Is Platonic Love?

The American Psychological Association defines platonic love as "a type of love in which there is no overt sexual behavior or desire"—either because it never existed between the individuals or because it has been suppressed. It usually refers to the affection between close friends, who may be of the same gender or any gender. They may even be related, as siblings or cousins can share intimate friendships characterized by platonic love. This type of relationship and platonic love can also be shared by coworkers, classmates, roommates, neighbors, or anyone else who has developed a close, emotional, nonsexual bond.

The Benefits of Platonic Love

Having relationships in your life that are defined by platonic love is more than just a nice connection; research suggests that this kind of platonic intimacy may be crucial for both mental and even physical health. Here are some of the main benefits that platonic relationships can offer.

Emotional Support

One of the main benefits of platonic connection is the emotional support you can receive from a close friend. These types of relationships are typically characterized by mutual acceptance and care, meaning you can rely on these people in your life when you’re facing a problem, feeling down, or need support. Friends can also help each other heal and grow by modeling and encouraging honesty, compassion, boundaries, peaceful conflict resolution, and other important elements of healthy personal relationships. 

Lower Risk of Physical Health Problems

Having strong platonic bonds in your life may also reduce health risks and increase life expectancy. Part of the reason may be that friends can check in on each other and encourage healthy habits, but another part may be that loneliness can trigger psychological processes that are harmful to both mind and body. 

Improved Mood

Being around loving friends can also boost our emotional well-being. Spending time with those with whom we share platonic love can increase dopamine levels in the brain, known as the “feel-good” chemical. It can also help lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. As one study puts it, “Successful social interaction may provide one of the most rewarding stimuli for humans.” When we share laughter and engage in activities we enjoy with our platonic loved ones (friends), these effects can be even greater. 

Greater Resilience

Having true friends you can rely on can help you be better prepared to face life’s inevitable challenges. They can offer support, advice, and encouragement, and may help you see difficult situations from a new perspective. According to one study, having a close group of supportive platonic friends is one of the strongest indicators of a person’s ability to recover after stressful life experiences.

Building Loving Platonic Relationships

Having strong, supportive platonic friendships can be enriching and even offer health benefits. If you’re looking to form, maintain, or experience true platonic love, the following tips may help:

Look for People You Have Something in Common With

If you want to expand your circle, it can be helpful to start by seeking out people with whom you share something in common. For example, you could join a club where people come together to play a sport or board game you enjoy. You might look for others who have a similar cultural background or life experiences as you, or those who are trying to learn a new skill you’ve always been interested in. You can also volunteer for a cause or organization you’re passionate about to meet others who feel the same way.

Be Proactive in Building Loving, Platonic Friendships

It’s important to remember that, just like romantic relationships, almost all types of relationships are two-way streets. If only one person is reaching out, checking in, making plans, and offering emotional support, it may start to feel one-sided or taken for granted. In general, both friends should aim to contribute roughly the same amount of time and emotional energy for the platonic connection to thrive. If your friend is great at checking in, texting or calling you, and setting up times to hang out, it’s wise to make sure you’re doing the same for them.