What is a Platonic Marriage?
Welcome, readers! Have you ever heard of a platonic marriage? It may sound strange, but it’s becoming more common with each passing year.
Today, we’ll be discussing what a platonic marriage is, why someone might choose to enter into one, and the advantages and disadvantages of such a marriage. Let’s dive right in!
A platonic marriage is a marriage between two individuals who love each other in a non-romantic way. It’s a sexless marriage in which the couple enters into a companionship-based relationship.
In essence, they are best friends who share a life together.
Why Enter into a Platonic Marriage?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to enter into a platonic marriage, including:
Starting a Family
For some couples, there may be an expiration date on their ability to have children. So they opt for a platonic marriage, which allows them to start a family with someone they trust and care for deeply.
Making a Deal
Sometimes couples may vow to marry each other to create a family without the romantic aspects that come with a traditional marriage. They may enter into such an arrangement as friends and remain in the marriage for life.
Settling Down
People can feel pressured to get married and settle down as they get older, whether it’s from family, society, or their own desires to have a stable home life. A platonic marriage can be a way to slow down and settle into life without feeling the pressure to find a romantic partner.
Aromanticism
Some people feel little or no romantic attraction to others and may struggle with the traditional expectations of romance. A platonic marriage allows them to create a deep and meaningful relationship without the pressure of romantic feelings.
Covering Being Homosexual
In some places in the world, it’s still not safe to be openly homosexual. A platonic marriage can be a way for two people of the same sex to create a family while appearing to be a heterosexual couple.
Wanting to Marry a Best Friend
If you’ve ever had a best friend that you just clicked with, you may understand why someone would choose to spend the rest of their life with that person. A platonic marriage can allow two best friends to spend forever together.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Platonic Marriage
Advantages:
- A platonic marriage can provide companionship, support, and stability without the complications of romantic love.
- It can create the opportunity to form a family with someone you love and trust.
- You may avoid the pitfalls of a romantic marriage, like infidelity, disappointment, and unrequited love.
Disadvantages:
- You may miss out on the romantic aspects of life, which can be an important part of many people’s happiness.
- It’s still not widely accepted by society, and couples may face judgment and discrimination.
- While some people are happy in a platonic marriage, others may feel like they’ve settled for less than what they truly want.
In conclusion, a platonic marriage is a unique and unconventional choice that can be the perfect fit for some couples. It provides benefits, like companionship, starting a family, and settling down, while avoiding the complications of romantic love. However, it’s important to understand that it may not be for everyone. Each person needs to make the personal choice that best fits their life and desires. After all, isn’t that what true love and happiness are all about?
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Platonic Marriage
Advantages:
Companionship
One of the biggest advantages of a platonic marriage is that it provides companionship. A relationship where two individuals can rely on each other and spend their days together without the pressure of romance is something that works for many couples. Such a relationship helps in having a support system, which is important for many people, both emotionally and mentally.
Starting a family
Another advantage of a platonic marriage is the ability to start a family. For individuals who do not feel romantically toward another person but still want to raise a family, a platonic marriage provides an ideal solution. This kind of marriage can create a healthy and nurturing environment for children to grow up in.
Loving someone platonically
Not everyone wants to get into a conventional romantic relationship, but they do want to experience a close and fulfilling bond with another person. Platonic marriage allows for this possibility without having to engage in romantic ideals and expectations.
Remaining friends after divorce
Many couples who engage in a platonic marriage do so after their romantic relationship has ended. In this kind of arrangement, both parties can remain friends and continue to support one another even after divorce. This is a big advantage over traditional marriages, where couples are legally bound and often find it difficult to get out of a toxic relationship.
Disadvantages:
Missing out on romance
A platonic marriage lacks the traditional notions of romance and affection. Couples who have entered into such a marriage report feeling a sense of dissatisfaction and feel like they have missed out on a big part of life. Human beings are wired for love and affection, and for many, there is a deep-seated need for romance and physical intimacy. Platonic marriages do not necessarily provide for such requirements, leading to a sense of incompleteness for some people.
Societal and cultural expectations of love and romance
Society views love and romance as an essential part of a fulfilling marriage. The cultural and societal expectations that exist towards romantic relationships may cause those who choose a platonic marriage to face scrutiny and judgment. Some individuals may find it challenging to be accepted by their family and friends, leading to a sense of isolation and discrimination against their choices.
Reasons for Entering into a Companionship-Based Marriage
Wanting Companionship
Many individuals enter into a companionship-based marriage because they don’t want to be alone. They want to spend time with someone they get along with without having the pressure of any romantic expectations. Such marriages provide mutual support to both parties when they need it. People who value close relationships, love having someone around, and prefer to have a permanent companion may look towards such relationships.
Wanting a Comfortable and Reassuring Option
Another reason people enter into a companionship-based marriage is because they have become disillusioned with love. With so much pressure to find a romantic partner, people can become exhausted with the traditional dating game. For such individuals, a platonic relationship offers comfortable and straightforward solutions without having to navigate the complexities of romantic relationships.
In conclusion, platonic, companionship-based marriages provide alternatives for people who seek different things. For some people, romance and love are essential; for others, having a companion is the primary goal. Such marriages have advantages and disadvantages. They can provide support, friendship, and a nurturing environment, but they may also lack fundamental human needs for love and affection. Incorporating a human’s desire for both companionship and romance into a relationship is personal and individualistic; some may find it unnecessary, while others view it as a vital part of marriage.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen throughout this article, platonic marriage and companionship-based marriages are not for everyone. But for those individuals who choose to enter into them, personal choice is of utmost importance. Ultimately, what works for one person or couple may not work for another. Happiness in a platonic marriage is a state of mind, and nobody can tell them differently.
It’s important to note that traditional notions of love and marriage are often romanticized by society and promoted by media narratives like Disney films. These portrayals often create unrealistic expectations, generating ideas of love that are meant to sweep you off your feet and leave you with butterflies in your stomach. However, real-life romance and love are not always like what’s depicted in the movies.
For some people, the excitement of romance may not be necessary. They may find more satisfaction and enjoyment in having a partner who can provide companionship, support, and trust without any romantic expectations. Platonic and companionship-based marriages can offer similar emotional benefits to a romantic love relationship without the pitfalls of romantic love.
The fact remains that every individual has the right to choose the kind of relationship that works best for them. Society can attempt to impose expectations on how love and marriage should be, but in the end, it’s up to the couple to decide what works for them.
In conclusion, platonic and companionship-based marriages are an unconventional, but valid, choice for those seeking a lifelong commitment without placing an emphasis on traditional romantic gestures. The choice to enter into such marriages is personal and individualistic, with some valuing the excitement of romance and others prioritizing the stability of a platonic or companionship-based relationship. Whatever one’s preference may be, each couple should be free to choose what works best for them, without undue judgment or pressure from society.
In conclusion, this article has explored the concept of platonic marriage and companionship-based relationships. We have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of such marriages, as well as the reasons why people may choose to enter into them. The importance of personal choice in relationships has been emphasized, along with the societal and cultural pressures that often accompany traditional notions of love and marriage.
Ultimately, it’s up to individuals to decide what kind of relationship works best for them, whether that be romance or companionship. What’s most important is that people are happy and fulfilled in their relationships, and that personal choice is respected and celebrated.