Physical intimacy has always played a vital role in romantic and sexual encounters for obvious reasons.?
Cuddling comes to your mind when you relate it to someone you like or would like to have sex with. But no one has ever thought about the fact that being close to someone physically doesn¡¯t necessarily mean you are supposed to think of them in a romantic or sexual nature.?
Platonic relationships and touch can also go hand in hand, quite literally, and there¡¯s nothing weird about it.
However, people fail to fathom the whole concept around holding hands with your friend or hugging someone tightly and not letting go just because you feel like it. If you take a few seconds longer to let go of a hug, they automatically assume that romantic feelings are involved in the equation.?
That not being the case, a lot of people refrain from expressing themselves to their friends just because they don't want to be misunderstood or explain themselves. With full consent, of course, everyone should have the freedom to express affection and it doesn't have to be a part of the 'romantic' club.
Our lack of human touch puts us under the delusion that if anyone wants to get close to us physically, it is purely for romantic/sexual reasons. But as much as your partner would like to cuddle with you and make you feel good, a friend has the same potential.?
There is no room for another reason than just wanting to show some love and as we all know, love isn't only for the ones who carry their hearts on their sleeves. Love comes in all forms and friendship is a major area of our life where we apply this emotion.
Not like we didn't have people talking about us all the time already, we have another thing to add to the list. Being asked questions about your dating status just because you were seen physically close to a friend is a very common inquiry. "But you guys were holding hands!" So, what? We can hold our friends' hands and nothing about that points to wanting to be romantic or sexual with them.?
Platonic cuddling is another victim of this thought process and somehow it is very unusual to cuddle with someone who is not romantically or sexually involved with you. But cuddling is known to make you feel safe and loved, and who decided that only partners are allowed to provide us with that?
There's a running joke in our country about how some middle-aged men hold onto each other's pinky fingers while walking. They are mocked and become targets for homophobic comments. The concern here isn't them holding each other and taking a stroll; the concern is why the hell not??
Society already has enough on its plate to pass judgment on, they should really not add more to the table. No one came up with these rules and if two people, regardless of their gender want to hold hands with each other without the intention of 'loving' them, it is absolutely okay.
Since the latest generation has trouble expressing their true selves due to the ample judgment that society throws their way, most of us stop ourselves from things we want to do. Not wanting to answer uncomfortable questions about your equation with somebody is understandable but people who put you in that position are the ones we need to get rid of.?
We spoke to a few people who have similar opinions and no points for guessing, several of them stressed on the fact that they would love to be physically close to their friends in public areas if they want to but they don't want to be the topic of discussion for others. Basic things like hand-holding, cheek pecks and just simply holding onto someone topped the list of platonic touch but unfortunately, they don't make it to the scene all the time.?
People who are involved in romantic relationships face even more trouble than single ones do when it comes to wanting to be close to their friends. Questions about their fidelity come into play and they have to think twice before coming in physical contact with someone else. Just because you have a partner doesn't mean you can't hug your friend or hold their hand if you want to. Whether it is to provide them comfort in a time of need or just wanting to let them know how much you love them, friendship has its own place and it doesn't have to interfere with your romance.?
In all simplicity, it's to not give a damn about what people say or think. But of course, it's easier said than done and 'live and let live' isn't a concept most people are comfortable with since getting into someone else's business is basically 'entertainment' for most. But educating them when they encroach on your territory might just help us clean up some minds about platonic relationship and intimacy. It happens. It is perfectly normal. It is healthy and it's no one's concern but your own.?