How to Develop a Healthy Platonic Friendship

You might (initially at least) feel physically attracted to an opposite sex friend when you first start hanging out with them. But just because you feel things doesn’t mean you need act on them. What’s more, you can’t act on your feelings if you want to stay friends.

If either one of you is currently in a relationship already, you have even more reason not to proceed with your feelings. Your friend should just be a friend, and no more. If you focus on other things, your feelings of attraction will become less and less.

You don’t necessarily need to spell out the boundaries in your friendship verbally, but do keep them in mind so you don’t cross them yourself. If your friend expresses feelings of attraction, then you can verbalize what the appropriate boundaries should be so you both can stay on the same page. Otherwise, make a mental note of what type of behavior is comfortable for friends, and stick with that.

There might be those that coyly ask you about your friendship, implying that the two of you might have something romantic going on in private. Some folks are very skeptical of platonic friendships, so don't fuel the gossip by saying:

• (With a smile or wink) "We're just friends."
• "Wouldn't you like to know?"
• "That's our business."

Simply answer with "No, we really are just friends" and leave it at that.

A platonic friendship is not one where the people flirt but don't date. They're friends and friends only. If you try and change your relationship into a "friends with benefits" situation, you will ruin your friendship by pushing the boundaries. Don't flirt, hug, kiss, or do anything else that you would do with a date.

If you treat your platonic friend as a date (going out for a romantic dinner or staying up late on the phone), your friendship will forever be clouded with the question of attraction. Instead, don't put you or your friend in an awkward position and stay solely in the friend zone instead. Plan activities that support your status as platonic friends where you are not in a romantic setting.

Some opposite sex friends get jealous when they see their pals in a happy romantic relationship. If you feel this way, it means you haven't come to terms yet with the fact that your relationship is platonic only. If you need to, take some time away from your friend so you can deal with the way you feel.

If you don't do this, you might be sabotaging your friend's happiness by making subtle, negative comments about the people he or she dates. You may try to talk friends out of people who could be good for them simply because you haven't accepted the platonic nature of your friendship yet.

It's important to be up-front with your partner about your platonic friendship. Tell your boyfriend or girlfriend (or spouse) about the times you talk to your friend or schedule time together. Be sure to include your partner when hanging out from time to time. Never compare your partner to your friend or share secrets of your relationship with your friend.

Having a platonic friendship that is not complicated by romantic feelings can actually teach you a lot about the opposite sex. The knowledge you gain can help you in your own romantic relationships. You'll see first-hand how the opposite sex reacts to getting dumped, what they find sweet and romantic, what things impress them, and more.

Opposite sex friends, like all friends, will help you learn more about yourself so you can be better at all your relationships, platonic and otherwise. Make sure you understand the value of an opposite sex friend so you don't cross a line that may end the friendship.