Understanding Platonic Marriage
Platonic marriage is becoming an increasingly popular concept that is redefining relationships in the modern world. A platonic marriage is a partnership between two individuals who have no intention of engaging in sexual activities.
It’s a union based solely on friendship and companionship, where both parties mutually agree to remain celibate. In this article, we’ll explore the world of platonic marriages, why people opt for them, and the benefits and drawbacks that come with it.
Reasons for Choosing a Platonic Marriage
The reasoning behind opting for a platonic marriage can be many. For some, it’s because they have no sexual desire or attraction towards their partner, but want a lifelong friend and companion.
For others, it could be a result of a long-distance relationship that makes sex physically impossible. Additionally, medical conditions such as HIV or cancer can hamper an individual’s ability to engage in sexual activity, leading to a preference for a platonic marriage.
Sexual orientation is also another factor to consider. A person may identify themselves as asexual or aromantic, meaning they have no sexual desires or romantic attraction to other people.
In such cases, a platonic marriage is a perfect fit, as it allows them to have a deep connection with someone without sexual or romantic commitment. It’s important to note the difference between a sexless marriage and a platonic marriage.
While both may involve no sexual activity, a sexless marriage could be due to a lack of intimacy or physical love between the partners. In contrast, a platonic marriage is based on a deep friendship, communication, mutual respect, and a lack of sexual attraction towards each other.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Platonic Marriage
Benefits of a Platonic Marriage
Apart from companionship and friendship, a platonic marriage offers many advantages, both economic and otherwise. Let’s explore some of them below:
Economic Advantages
One of the biggest benefits of a platonic marriage is the potential for tax breaks. Marriage laws in most parts of the world offer tax benefits to couples who tie the knot and file their taxes jointly.
Additionally, employers offer health benefits to employees’ spouses, which can save on healthcare costs.
Better Mental and Reproductive Health
Individuals in platonic marriages tend to suffer less from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. A study published in the Journal of Sex Research showed that sexual frequency and relationship satisfaction aren’t linked.
Another study conducted by the University of California, Davis, found that women who didn’t have sex reported better reproductive health.
Enhanced Trust
A platonic marriage is often based on trust, as it allows couples to communicate and share their deepest thoughts and emotions without worrying about judgment. This honesty builds deeper connections, which can strengthen their friendship and bond.
Co-Parenting
For individuals who wish to have children but don’t want to engage in sexual activity or are unable to reproduce, a platonic marriage is an excellent option. The two partners can come together and raise kids without any romantic or sexual commitment.
Drawbacks of a Platonic Marriage
While platonic marriages offer numerous benefits, they come with their fair share of limitations and challenges, such as:
Falling in Love
Over an extended period, it’s normal for individuals to develop feelings of love for each other. In a platonic marriage, falling in love could ruin the friendship and lead to emotional turmoil.
Social Acceptance
Platonic marriages are still considered taboo in traditional cultures where sexual intimacy is a fundamental aspect of marriage. As a result, people may face societal pressures and stigma, leading to issues with acceptance and legitimacy.
Legal Recognition
Marriage laws define spouses as individuals who have sexual relations with each other. Hence, platonic marriages might lack validity under the law, which could lead to issues with property rights, inheritance, and other legal concerns.
Sham Marriage
Platonic marriages could also lead to sham marriages where individuals opt for this type of marriage just to secure citizenship, tax breaks, or other economic benefits.
Sexual Incompatibility
While sexual activity doesn’t factor into a platonic marriage, it can lead to issues of sexual incompatibility. For instance, if one partner has a higher sex drive than the other, it could result in feelings of frustration, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
Tips for Making a Platonic Marriage Work
Being Honest about Reasons for Choosing a Platonic Marriage
Before entering into a platonic marriage, both parties should have an honest conversation about their reasons for choosing this kind of marriage. Individuals may have different motivations for opting for this type of relationship, such as sexual dysfunction, different sexual orientation, or past abuse.
It’s essential to address these reasons and the expectations each partner has for the marriage before proceeding. By doing so, it helps to ensure that each partner understands what they are getting into and has realistic expectations for the relationship.
Establishing Ground Rules for the Platonic Marriage
Just like any relationship, it’s important to establish clear ground rules for the platonic marriage. An agreement that outlines what each partner expects from the marriage and its benefits and limitations can help create harmony in the relationship.
Creating boundaries is another aspect of setting ground rules, which helps partners to respect each other’s time, space, and feelings. By setting and following reasonable expectations and boundaries, it helps to safeguard the fundamental nature of the marriage.
Being Discreet about Sexual Needs and Seeking Professional Help
One of the biggest challenges of a platonic marriage is what to do about the unexplored areas of sexual intimacy. While these topics can be sensitive, it’s essential to have open communication about your sexual needs and understanding that not every sexual desire or curiosity can be fulfilled in a platonic marriage.
It’s also important to discuss and agree on how each partner will handle these desires and seek guidance or professional help if necessary. Being discreet about sexual needs is another important aspect.
Avoiding explicit discussions and acts in the presence of your platonic partner helps to preserve the friendship and respect for each other’s boundaries.
Understanding that People Can Change and Being Accommodating
People can change, and as such, it’s essential to be adaptable and open to change in a platonic marriage. Sometimes the changes can be gradual, while other times, change can happen abruptly.
Being open-minded and flexible can help to accommodate any changes that may arise. Communication is key, and by notifying your partner of any significant changes or feelings, it helps to build trust and understanding.
Conclusion
Platonic marriages can offer a fulfilling and honest alternative to conventional marriages. While it takes effort to keep this kind of relationship sustainable, with open communication, respect for boundaries, and a realistic understanding of limitations and benefits, it’s possible to build a strong and lasting friendship.
By being honest and open about expectations, establishing ground rules, being discreet about sexual desires and seeking professional help, and being open-minded and accommodating, you can make your platonic marriage a success.
In conclusion, platonic marriages are becoming increasingly popular in today’s society, offering an alternative to traditional marriages.
This kind of relationship can be a perfect fit for individuals seeking deep and meaningful connections, companionship, and trust. While platonic marriages have their benefits, drawbacks, and challenges, by following the tips mentioned in this article, such as setting clear ground rules, being honest about expectations, being discreet about sexual needs, and understanding that people can change, it’s possible to make your platonic marriage work.
It takes effort, communication, and compromise, but with the right mindset, individuals can build a long-lasting and fulfilling friendship that stands the test of time.
