For Those Who Declare “A Boy And A Girl Can’t Be Friends” Platonic Friendship Exists

Having friends of the opposite gender has been a problem in traditional society, but my platonic friendships have been some of the best I have had.

A woman’s relationship with a man often raises an interesting controversy: can they really just be friends? Do you know anyone who has been able to maintain healthy friendships without being influenced by their feelings or sexual desires? Here, let me draw your attention towards the beauty of platonic friendships.

Platonism is the kind of friendship/relationship in which the mental or emotional attraction is greater than the physical attraction.

For the silk to survive, the silkworm has to die. It is essential to break through gender norms in order to develop greater friendships.

They tried their best to break our friendships

Despite sociological diktats that warned that “boys and girls should be kept separate until their marriage”, my parents ensured that I attended a co-ed school and learnt to interact, converse, and inter-connect with all genders.

In small towns, it is not acceptable to have friends of the opposite gender, especially for women, and if they have, the fact needed to be kept under wraps. I was close to many boys at school, but we had to act like strangers after school hours, and had to pass by each other in public. That’s strange, isn’t it? A friend whom you can’t disclose outside school.

My early school years left me with the impression that it was normal to have friends only at school. As I went on to middle and high school, however, I was frustrated and annoyed by the fact that I had to avoid my friends knowingly. This may be what happens for romantic relationships, but friendship has no territorial boundaries, and this is why, my dear hypocritical society, you cannot split up real friends.

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I began to refuse to conform, and got out of my comfort zone to start greeting boys at community functions, at private tutoring, on Facebook, and on birthdays. There were many people back then who found it aggravating, including the staff at school who weren’t used to opposite genders interacting closely.

Intrusive disciplining for students who did not conform

When I was in ninth grade, the Principal of the school forced us students to give him our passwords and got into our Facebook accounts. I felt embarrassed and humiliated that my privacy had been invaded. I was questioned, I was slapped, my character was assassinated.

Our society actually does that. Breaking into your space, they call you out because you’re friends with the opposite gender, and they add the tag, “It’s for your own good”. In what world can it ever be fruitful to separate real friends, even of they are of opposite genders?

My bond with the group in school weakened over time as the staff made sure we never kept in touch during those years. School Staff had succeeded, I thought. But I became friends with a new batch of students after high school, and if people interfered, fought back against it.

These friends are still with me. Guys, I love you for being my bro-friends and bro-connections, and for supporting me through many things.

How can platonic friendships be maintained without jeopardising your romantic ones?

The power of friendship lies in its strength. Our society is toxic and does its best to keep opposing genders apart.

Friendships may fall apart for a variety of reasons, such as dating someone who doesn’t ‘approve’ of your buddies, parental pressure, misunderstandings, or relationship issues. You need to have trust and faith in your friend. Do not let society fuck up your bond.

The rule for platonic friends is simple.

• Avoid crossing any lines that could make your mates uncomfortable.
• Establish some common ground for conversations, and try to develop a sense of emotional intimacy, much like the relationships with your girlfriends or buddies.

Netflix film The Kissing Booth

There is a Netflix movie on such platonic friendship: The Kissing Booth. Though you can classify it as a romantic drama, I have always admired Elle Evans and Lee Flynn’s friendship.

The two set separate rules for their friendship that shaped how they bonded. They share a special bond, but it takes a toll on their other relationships, specifically with Noah and Rachel, their respective partners. The two of them work it out, and they accept that they can’t always be together. Their friendship takes priority over their personal relationships without interfering with their romantic ones.

Make sure you prioritize both –  your romantic relationships and platonic friendships, and things will turn around.

Defend your friends in a crisis, and share your vulnerability with them as it will deepen and strengthen your friendship. This is even more vital in the case of opposing genders. Make sure you let your friend know that you cherish them this Friendship Day.

“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond”  ~~ Rumi

Image source: Instagram

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