37 golden rules, advantages, disadvantages and what it really means to be one

Can guys and girls be JUST friends? Learn to master the game of perfect friendship without crossing boundaries or creating misunderstandings.

Let’s talk about idealistic friends. You know, those wonderful bonds where you’re so close, but there is absolutely zero romance in the air? It’s like having a really good friend who knows all your weird quirks but doesn’t want to make it weird by dating you. In an ideal world, all friendships would be this simple and clear. But as we all know, life is a little more complicated than that.

In our modern, hyper-connected world, ideal friendships have become more important than ever. They’re fun hangouts without the drama of dating, long conversations without the heartbreak, and awkward “What are we?” Without the inside jokes. Conversation.

Wait, what is platonic friendship?

First things first, let’s see what we mean by “spiritual friendship.” Have you ever wondered where this word came from? It actually dates back to the time of Plato, the great philosopher of ancient Greece.

Plato wasn’t talking about hanging out with friends, he was more into the idea of ​​love that goes beyond the physical and reaches into the intellectual. But fast forward to today, “Platonic” has taken on a slightly different vibe.

In the simplest terms, an ideal friend is someone you enjoy hanging out with, but there’s no pressure to exchange roses on Valentine’s Day.

The main characteristics of these friendships? Think non-romantic, non-sexual, but full of trust, respect, and genuine affection. It’s like having a teammate in the game of life who is there because they really like you, not because they’re trying to get a date with you.

What is not idealistic friendship

Okay, let’s set the record straight! Sometimes, two people may claim they are perfect friends, but the lines can be a little blurred. It’s like saying you’re on a diet but you have a secret stash of chocolate bars. So, let’s take a look at what platonic friendship definitely isn’t. Some of these may surprise you!

1. Friends with Benefits *FWB*

This is a classic blend. Being an idealistic friend doesn’t mean secretly hiding some ‘benefit’. If you’re hugging or getting cozy beyond just being friends, it’s not platonic.

2. One-sided love

Have you ever had a friend who secretly wished for more? He is also not an idealist. Platonic friendship is a two-way street where both people are in the ‘just friends’ zone.

4. Post-breakup friends

This is a tricky one. Staying friends after a breakup feels mature, but it’s often not the ideal friendship. If there is still a sense of romance or leftover feelings, you are in muddy waters. There is no romantic history hidden in the background of true idealistic friendship.

5. Secretly hoping for more

Do you know the kind of friend who sticks with you, silently hoping that one day you’ll see them in a different light? This is a complicated situation. If there’s any secret hope for romance blossoming beneath the surface of your friendship, it’s time to reevaluate.

This scenario takes away from the true essence of ideal friendship. Platonic friends are in complete agreement about just being friends, without any undercurrent of ‘maybe someday’.

When those unspoken expectations come into play, it’s not just friendship – it’s honesty and transparency that defines it.

6. One-sided effort

In an ideal friendship, effort should be from both sides. Imagine a situation where one friend is always initiating the plans, reaching out to check in and doing all the emotional work, while the other just passively goes along with it.

This imbalance can lead to feelings of frustration and underappreciation. A healthy ideal friendship thrives on a balanced dynamic, where both individuals actively contribute and engage with each other.

7. A placeholder relationship

Sometimes, people pursue ‘platonic’ friendships because they are waiting for something ‘better’ to happen. This is not the real deal.

In a truly ideal friendship, both people value the friendship for what it is, not for what form it could potentially take.

Rules of having a platonic friend

Like any other valuable commodity, a purely ideal friendship comes with its own guidelines. It’s not about making strict rules, but about understanding and respecting the unique nature of this type of relationship.

These rules help ensure that friendships remain healthy, respectful, and ideal. So, if you are sailing in the ocean of perfect friendship, here are some important rules to keep in mind for a smooth sailing experience.

1. Mutual respect and honesty

The foundation of any ideal friendship is a solid foundation of respect and honesty. It’s all about speaking openly about your feelings and intentions.

Think of it as a ‘no hidden agenda’ policy – ​​you’re both clear about where you stand and what you expect from the friendship.

2. Maintain independence and personal space

3. Regular communication and check-ins

Life changes, and emotions change too. Regularly checking in with each other about where you are in the friendship makes sure everyone is on the same page.

It’s like a regular friendship tune-up to make sure everything is running smoothly.

4. Limits, limits, limits

Set boundaries and respect them. This can range from physical limitations to emotional limitations. It’s like putting up a friendly fence between neighbors – it defines where your space begins and ends.

5. No flirting!

Keep things completely non-flirtatious. Flirting can send mixed signals and potentially damage the ideal nature of the friendship. Treat it like a no-fly zone for romantic gestures.

6. Be mindful of significant others

This is a huge deal, especially if you or your ideal friend are involved in romantic relationships. We get it, maybe both of you are already extremely comfortable with each other, but here’s the catch: always be mindful of how this friendship might affect your significant others.

Jealousy is an ugly emotion, and trust us, you don’t want to find yourself a victim of it. It’s all about being thoughtful and transparent. You have to maintain your friendship in such a way that your partner’s feelings and boundaries are respected.

7. Avoid situations that could be misinterpreted

When it comes to ideal friendships, it is wise to stay away from scenarios that may give the wrong impression. For example, think twice about hanging out at each other’s places late at night. To an outsider, or even just one of you, this may seem a little too intimate, almost like a date.

Also, frequent dinner dates at romantic restaurants? Probably not the best idea. It’s easy for these settings to create a mood that’s a little sexier than you’d like.

The main thing here is to keep in mind how certain actions and settings can be interpreted. It’s about maintaining the friendship in a way that is comfortable and clear for everyone involved.

8. Support each other’s romantic relationships

Encourage and support each other’s efforts at romance outside of friendship. It shows that you respect each other’s personal life and are secure in your friendship. Celebrate their love life just as you celebrate their career success.

9. No jealousy

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: jealousy is an ugly emotion, and it has no place in an ideal friendship. If feelings of jealousy start to creep in, it’s a sign that it’s time for a serious, open-hearted discussion.

Ideal friendships are built on trust and respect, and jealousy can quickly undermine these foundations. Whether it’s feelings of jealousy of other people in your friend’s life or a sense of ownership over the friendship itself, these feelings need to be addressed.

Heart-to-heart talks can help clarify feelings, reaffirm boundaries, and ensure that your friendship remains healthy and jealousy-free.

10. Sharing without any pressure

Share about your lives, but don’t burden each other with problems that are better left to a romantic partner or a therapist.

Although it’s natural for friends to talk about the juiciest tea of ​​your life, spare them details about how you and your partner had the hottest sex last night or other highly personal topics. Balance what you share and make sure it’s appropriate for the friendship.

11. Don’t play the comparison game

Why would you do that, right? Avoid comparing your ideal friend to your romantic partner. This is unfair and can cause unnecessary stress. Every relationship has its own unique place and value in your life.

12. Joining forces with other friends

13. Keep friendships dynamic and fun

Engage in various activities together. This keeps the friendship alive and interesting, keeping it from becoming stagnant. Think of it as exploring different chapters of a great book.

14. Remember why you are friends

Remind yourself regularly why you value this friendship. This keeps the focus on your genuine affection and respect for each other. It’s like appreciating a piece of art for what it is, not how you want it to be.

Benefits of having a perfect friend

Ideal friends are like the secret ingredient to a full, fulfilling life. Here are ten extraordinary benefits of an ideal friendship:

1. Emotional support without romantic complications

An ideal friend is someone you can trust without the disturbance of romantic feelings. They provide a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen without any ulterior motive. It’s like having a safety net of support, without the drama of romance.

2. Diverse Perspectives and Advice

Platonic friends often provide a perspective different from our own, helping us see things in a new light. They can provide unbiased advice without the complexities of romantic or family relationships.

3. Strengthening trust and communication skills

Platonic friendships are a great training ground for building trust and honing your communication skills. They require the same openness and honesty as any other relationship, but without the pressure of romance.

4. Increase self-esteem and confidence

Who doesn’t want a friend who makes them feel like a rockstar just for being who they are? This is the beauty of ideal friendship.

They’re not in your life for romantic or physical reasons, they’re there because they value your personality, your intelligence, and the unique qualities that make you, well, you.

5. Constant and long-lasting companionship

Platonic friendships often offer consistent and long-lasting cooperation, and a large part of their lasting power is the absence of other agendas. When the foundation of the relationship is entirely true friendship, free of romantic expectations or ulterior motives, it creates a stable and reliable bond.

These are the friends who are with you through thick and thin, without the complications that can sometimes come with romantic relationships. They are involved because they genuinely care about you and enjoy your company.

This kind of straightforward, no-hidden-agenda relationship endures, providing the kind of companionship you can rely on over the years, through all of life’s ups and downs.

6. Stress reduced and happiness increased

Hanging out with a perfect friend can be incredibly relaxing and fun, reducing stress and increasing happiness.

7. Balanced perspective on relationships

gang up…