Emotionally Intimate Platonic Relationships without Sex: What’s in it for You?
Have you ever found yourself wanting an intimate relationship with someone without the pressure of sexual expectations?
If so, you’re not alone. Many people these days are seeking deeper connections with others that don’t necessarily involve sex.
In this article, we will look at the reasons why people may engage in emotionally intimate platonic relationships without sex and the pros of practicing sexual abstinence in relationships.
Reasons for Engaging in Emotionally Intimate Platonic Relationships without Sex
Religious Beliefs and Laws
For some, sexual abstinence before marriage is a religious practice. In countries where premarital sex is illegal, emotionally intimate platonic relationships provide a safe outlet for people to form deep connections without legal repercussions.
In such cases, sex can hinder the growth of intimacy, focusing too much on physical pleasure rather than the emotional connection.
Medical, Psychological, and Social Reasons
Some medical conditions or lifestyle choices may preclude sex in relationships.
For example, people who are recovering from a car accident or those in a recovery program for addiction may opt for platonic intimacy to avoid jeopardizing their healing. Similarly, some individuals may take vows of celibacy, while others are single parents who are not ready for a sexual relationship.
In other cases, people may practice a “three-month rule” to get to know each other better emotionally before diving into the physical aspect of their relationship.
Pros of Practicing Sexual Abstinence in Relationships
Getting to Know Someone Better before Sex
Time is a precious commodity, and sometimes, we tend to jump into relationships without knowing the person enough. Abstaining from sex allows you to get to know a person holistically before committing fully.
With sex out of the picture, you’re more likely to see the person as they are, reducing the risk of the rose-colored glasses effect. Additionally, you have time to weed out deal-breaking habits or learn of any secrets that would be a deal-breaker.
Furthermore, abstaining from sex helps you avoid sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Knowing your partner’s sexual history before engaging in sex allows you to make an informed decision.
Gaining Trust, Respect, and Commitment
Abstaining from sex allows for the growth of intimacy without the pressure of physical expectations. Trust, respect, and commitment are built over time, and sex can cloud these important elements, making it difficult to gauge whether a relationship has long-term potential.
Moreover, practicing sexual abstinence can weed out insincere persons who are only interested in a quick hook-up. By taking this approach, you’re less likely to attract people who don’t share your values, priorities, or intentions for a relationship.
Finally, practicing sexual abstinence promotes self-respect and self-esteem. It helps you recognize that you are deserving of a partner who is committed to building a long-term relationship with you, not just someone who is after sex.
Conclusion
In conclusion, emotionally intimate platonic relationships without sex are becoming more popular for various reasons. Whether it’s due to religious beliefs, medical conditions, or the desire to form a deeper connection without sexual pressure, there are several benefits to practicing sexual abstinence in relationships.
By getting to know someone holistically before engaging in sex, you can build trust, respect, and commitment and weed out insincere persons that aren’t interested in building a committed relationship with you. Ultimately, abstaining from sex promotes self-respect and self-esteem and is an excellent way to ensure that you find a partner who shares your values, priorities, and long-term intentions.
Cons of Practicing Sexual Abstinence in Relationships: What you Need to Consider
While there are several pros to practicing sexual abstinence in relationships, it’s essential to consider the cons as well. In this expansion, we will explore two significant cons of practicing sexual abstinence in relationships and what you need to consider before embarking on this journey.
Lack of Boundaries Can Lead to Multiple “Friends”
One of the significant cons of practicing sexual abstinence in relationships is that it can lead to a lack of boundaries. Without the pressure of sexual expectations, it can be easy to fall into the trap of having multiple emotional platonic relationships.
This behaviour can lead to a lack of commitment and the absence of self-restraint. The situation can be particularly difficult when you’re dating someone, and they’re simultaneously dating other people.
The lack of commitment in this situation can quickly become a problem. Additionally, “friends with benefits” is a term that people can use to dismiss sexual relationships, and it can be challenging to separate oneself from this mindset.
Sexual Attraction May Die Out
Another significant con of practicing sexual abstinence in relationships is that the sexual attraction may die out. In the absence of sexual intimacy, you may find that your relationship becomes more like a friendship than a romantic one.
The lack of sexual progression can lead to a situation where the relationship stagnates, and the connection fades away. The longer you practice sexual abstinence, it’s possible that your partner can become like family, particularly if you don’t engage in other forms of physical intimacy.
The break of sexual abstinence can also lead to the temptation to seek physical pleasure outside the relationship, which can lead to infidelity. It’s also essential to note that marriage is not designed for platonic relationships, regardless of the reasons for the decision.
If you choose to embark on a sexually abstinent relationship with your partner, you have to keep in mind that there’s no room for mistakes if you’re looking for a long-term commitment. This decision requires careful consideration and self-awareness.
Professional doctor mentoring or life coaching relationships can also struggle with sexual abstinence and emotional intimacy. The doctor or coach may find that they have to become careful about how they interact with their clients and be wary of any sexual feelings or desires that may arise.
This unlikely relationship can complicate factors socially and personally.
Considerations for Practicing Sexual Abstinence in Relationships
Before choosing to practice sexual abstinence in your relationship, consider taking several steps to ensure that you’re making the right decision for yourself and your partner. Here are a few considerations you should think about:
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Set Boundaries
It’s essential to set boundaries to ensure that you’re on the same page with your partner. Make clear commitments to each other to abstain from sex and to limit emotional intimacy to each other only.
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Keep Communication Open
Always keep communication channels open with your partner to discuss any concerns or issues that may have arisen.
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Understand your Motivation
Be honest with yourself about your motivation for engaging in a sexually abstinent relationship.
Ensure that you’re making the decision for the right reasons and not avoiding inner fears.
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Discuss your Future Goals
It’s important to discuss future goals with your partner so that you can both understand where the relationship is going.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while practicing sexual abstinence in relationships has several benefits, it’s essential to think about the cons too. A lack of boundaries leads to a lack of commitment and self-restraint, while the lack of sexual attraction may lead to a breakdown in the relationship.
Before choosing to embark on a sexually abstinent relationship with your partner, ensure that you’ve considered all the necessary aspects to establish a healthier and longer-lasting relationship. In conclusion, this article has highlighted both the pros and cons of practicing sexual abstinence in relationships.
On the one hand, sexual abstinence can help build trust, respect, and commitment, allowing you to get to know your partner better before engaging in sex. On the other hand, a lack of boundaries can lead to multiple emotional platonic relationships that lack commitment and self-restraint, while the absence of sexual attraction can lead to relationship stagnation.
Therefore, it’s crucial to consider all the necessary aspects of sexually abstinent relationships before taking the plunge. By keeping open communication channels, understanding your motivation, and setting clear boundaries, you can build a healthier, more fulfilling relationship that suits your unique needs.
