Platonic love is one of the most underrated forms of love. We talk a lot about romance, relationships, and marriage, but the truth is, good friendships hold just as much value. Think about it, who do you call when you need advice? Who listens to you rant about life? Who sticks around even when things aren’t going well?
A true friend is there for you when you need to laugh, cry, vent, or just sit in silence without feeling alone. While romantic relationships are often seen as the ultimate connection, friendships with genuine platonic love are just as important because they provide companionship, emotional support, and a safe space to be yourself.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, you should understand as a reader that not every friendship is this deep, and that’s okay. But when you have a real, genuine friendship, it can be just as important and as respected as a romantic relationship. Here are some reasons why:
1. Friends are there before and after romantic relationships
Like it or not, not every romantic relationship will last forever, but true friendships often do. Before you meet someone and fall in love, your friends are already there. And if that relationship ever ends, it’s your friends who will be there to help you pick up the pieces. They are the ones who will listen to you, offer you comfort, and remind you of your worth when you’re feeling down.
It’s easy to get carried away when dating someone new, but forgetting your friends in the process is a mistake. When the excitement of a romantic relationship fades, and real-life challenges set in, you will realise that having strong friendships makes life much easier.
2. Friends give you the kind of honesty that’s hard to find
In romantic relationships, emotions can sometimes cloud judgment. Your partner might not always tell you the hard truth because they don’t want to hurt your feelings or cause problems. But a real friend? They will tell you exactly what you need to hear, even if it stings a little.
A good friend will call you out when you’re making bad decisions. They will tell you when your behavior is off, warn you about red flags in relationships, and even push you to do better in life. Unlike a romantic partner who may be careful with their words to avoid quarells, friends tell it as it is, with no hidden motives.
3. Friendships provide stability, no matter what happens in life
Relationships can be amazing, but they can also be unpredictable. Even happy couples have their ups and downs. But a solid friendship gives you a kind of emotional support that stays steady, no matter what.
When things go wrong, whether it’s a breakup, losing a job, or just feeling lost, a true friend is someone you can always turn to. They don’t just celebrate with you when things are good, they also hold you up when things get hard.
4. Real friends love you for who you are, not what you offer
In some romantic relationships, there’s often pressure to meet certain expectations. You have to keep the spark alive, provide emotional or financial support, and maintain attraction. But a true friend loves you without conditions.
Mind you, this doesn’t mean friendships do not require effort, they actually do. But a real friend won’t cut you off just because you’re struggling, can’t go out on dates as often, or aren’t in the best place in life. They care about you as a person, not just the fun and benefits you bring.
Of course, this only applies to genuine friendships. There are many friendships that feel deep but disappear the moment you stop being useful to the other person. That’s how you know the difference between a true friend and a situational friend.
5. True friends push you to be better without expecting anything in return
A friend who truly cares about you will push you to do better. They’ll remind you of your goals, encourage you when you feel like giving up, and celebrate your wins like they are their own.
This is different from people who only support you when it benefits them. A genuine friend doesn’t feel threatened by your success, they want to see you win just as much as you do.
6. Friendships teach you love without pressure
Romantic relationships come with certain expectations, and that’s normal. But friendships show a different kind of love, one that doesn’t come with pressure. You don’t have to prove anything or meet certain standards to keep a real friend.
A true friendship is based on mutual respect, care, and understanding. It’s about choosing to be there for each other, not because of attraction, obligation, or what you can offer, but simply because you care.
7. Friendships make life easier and more meaningful
Life is unpredictable, but one thing is certain, it’s easier with good people around you. Whether it’s someone to talk to after a long day, someone to make you laugh when you’re stressed, or someone who just understands you without you having to explain, friendship makes life richer.
At the end of the day, friendships and relationships are both important. One doesn’t replace the other, but friendships deserve just as much effort and appreciation. When you find a real, solid friendship, take care of it, because that kind of love is rare.
8. You can be 100% yourself around a true friend
In a relationship, especially at the beginning, people try to impress each other. You might dress a certain way, talk a certain way, or hide some of your quirks. But with a real friend? You don’t have to pretend.
You can show up in your worst mood, wearing whatever, saying whatever, and they still accept you completely. They’ve seen your highs and lows, and they choose to stick around anyway. That kind of connection is rare, and it’s worth holding onto.
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