Get the lowdown on maintaining a platonic friendship...
BY SURINDER SINGH | MAR 23, 2009
Platonic love can be tough. You know their love is sincere and you don't want to hurt their feelings, but you need the freedom to find someone else without guilt. You share so much that it brings you both joy so ending the friendship isn't attractive to either one of you. Here are some tips on maintaining a platonic friendship.
Step One
Limit physical affection. Good friends naturally hug and kiss, but it's inappropriate in a platonic relationship unless something tragic has happened, like a death in your family. Respect their feelings for you and don't give them a reason to dwell on your motives from inappropriate physical contact.
Step Two
Notice how close together you sit or stand. When you're at a party, for example, watch out for love seats or crowded situations. You may think this is going too far, but their subconscious can send up weird messages from careless close contact, like maybe you're finally coming around.
Step Three
Be nice to their potential partners. Show them you're happy they're getting over you. Invite their partner to the party you're throwing or occasionally go out to dinner with them. Let them know how suitable their partner she is if you think they're a great person.
Step Four
Criticize their bad behaviour as honestly as you would any friend. Tell them when they're acting like an idiot. Make them understand you wouldn't put up with nasty comments from anyone and your platonic relationship doesn't change that.
Step Five
Demand them to be nice to your partner. This isn't something you need to compromise on. Remind them you've treated their partner with respect and you expect the same deal from them.
Step Six
Treat them with respect. A platonic relationship doesn't mean you can ask them for favours and expect them to gladly do your bidding. Take their problems as seriously as you would any friends.
Tips & Warnings
* Don't flirt with your friend, even if they initiate it.
* Don't let your partner know your platonic friend has a crush on you. This will needlessly complicate your relationship.
