So many of us, including myself, dedicate vast swathes of our lives in pursuit of love — the romantic kind.
We search for it in stolen glances, whispered words, and intertwined hands…. our own personal romantic comedy to live out in real life
But in this fervent quest, we sometimes become blind to the abundance of love that surrounds us in its purest, most sincere form: platonic love.
In my life, the platonic love has shone vividly.
Friendships that have not just spanned years, but decades, are testimonies to this enduring bond.
The concept, named after the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, has evolved over time. Plato’s portrayal of love journeyed from the passionate desires of Eros to the ethereal, selfless realm of Agape.
And while our understanding of platonic love today is of a bond that’s free from physical attraction, it’s built on pillars of mutual respect, trust, admiration, and a profound emotional connection.
To me, and to many others, platonic love can be as enriching, if not more, as its romantic counterpart.
Romantic relationships, beautiful as they are, come entangled with societal expectations.
These strings sometimes pull us away from our genuine selves.
On the other hand, my friendships, my platonic connections, are sanctuaries.
In their embrace, I am unapologetically me. They’ve seen my flaws, my quirks, the edges of me that aren’t so smooth, and they’ve embraced them all.
There was a time, during a particularly challenging relationship rife with mental and verbal abuse, when I distanced myself from these sustaining friendships.
It’s a chapter I never thought I’d write, a narrative I believed wasn’t meant for me. Despite my efforts to maintain a facade, the pain was evident.
A dear friend, flipping through her wedding photos, paused at one of mine. The joy of her day was momentarily overshadowed by the realization that the vibrancy in my eyes had dimmed, the spark gone.
Without words, she felt my struggle. Such is the depth of platonic love.
In life, where romantic tales often steal the limelight, let’s not forget these unsung heroes. Our friends, our platonic anchors, are the embodiment of love in its most genuine form.
Let’s cherish and celebrate them.
Always,
Your Trusted Friend ❤︎
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