Platonic Attraction and Orientation
Platonic Attraction is a form of emotional attraction where one may desire a platonic relationship (commonly referred to as a friendship) with a particular individual.[1][2] Platonic attraction can overlap with queerplatonic attraction. This may include actions such as:
- Participating in events together
- Spending time together
- Gifting
- Sharing hobbies
- Hugging (and sometimes hand holding)
- Providing general support
One's pattern of platonic attraction towards certain genders typically (but not always) forms that individual's platonic orientation. Platonic orientations are often identified by the usage of the '-platonic' suffix, such as heteroplatonic, or biplatonic.
An individual who regularly experiences platonic attraction would be alloplatonic. Someone who does not regularly experience platonic attraction may be aplatonic or otherwise apl-spec.
A platonic desire for another individual may be called a squish.[3]
History
The term platonic originates from the Greek philosopher Plato, referencing the belief in alternate love, including platonic love (love that is neither romantic nor sexual). Platonic was typically described as an emotional bond, rather than the physical bond of romance and/or sex.[4]
Resources
- ↑ Fielding, Sarah. "Platonic relationships differ from romantic relationships — here's how to tell which one you're experiencing". Insider, 2 Mar, 2022, https://www.insider.com/guides/health/sex-relationships/platonic-relationship.
- ↑ Raypole, Crystal. "Platonic Friendships Are Possible (and Important)". Healthline, 5 Feb, 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health/platonic-friendship#what-they-arent.
- ↑ "attraction relationship terms". AUREA, https://www.aromanticism.org/en/attraction-relationship-terms. Accessed on 28 Mar, 2023.
- ↑ "Why We Keep Things 'Platonic'". Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/platonic-plato-love-origin-history. Accessed on 30 Mar, 2023.
