Platonic Friendships: A Good Contribution From the 'Me Generation'

One of the most positive contributions afforded by the youth who came of age in the 'Seventies-- commonly known as "the 'Me Generation'" and other equally-unsavory terms-- was the relatively-new concept of platonic friendships. Prior to these youth bringing to the American scene all kinds of unusual ideas, it was virtually unheard of: for a male and a female of any age to be "buddies," without any romantic or sexual connotation to their relationship.

The generations before theirs would have considered the notion to be laughable; for the "older folks," in that marrying young was the generally-accepted rule of the day, even from early adolescence the focus of male-and-female interactions was focused on looking for a suitable spouse-- one would have been more inclined to view a fourteen-year-old classmate as a prospective future mate than a "best pal." Sadly, with this perspective, they missed so much in terms of opportunities for special friendships.

Unfortunately, even these days there are geographical areas in which platonic friendships are thought to be unusual, if not even suspect. Basing this intolerance on lifestyles where those of the opposite gender are seen as sex-objects, some find it impossible to comprehend what platonic friendships are all about. They, too, are missing a lot.

Platonic friendships offer the best of friendship in general; but with the added bonus of gaining a clearer view of "how the other side lives." It's as if one has acquired some brand-new "brothers" (or sisters), but by choice, with similar interests and personalities. When we do not view members of the opposite gender as potential husbands (or wives) or as "conquests," wide opportunities open to rich and rewarding experiences. There is simply something vaguely but noticeably different between "extra brothers," as opposed to friends of one's own biological gender-- and it is something of a very good quality. The characteristics of platonic friendships seem, somehow, deeper and much more meaningful.

For those of us who were lucky enough to have grown up in locations where such "buddyships" were considered normal, and especially we who had been blessed with opposite-gender siblings, platonic friendships are something which come very naturally to us; we are as at-ease with our friend "George" as with our friend "Jean," and, for that matter, sometimes even more so. The only difficulties come in the form of the Older Generation, who, if you've spent a significant amount of time with your buddy, will undoubtedly begin to make very obvious stares at your left hand in search of some type of "commitment symbol;" or, even worse, your own peers who are either unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with the concept of buddies, making crude remarks such as "Are you two having sex?"

No, platonic friendships aren't about seeking marriage partners or intimacy; what it is about is understanding and appreciating both the similarities and the differences, and being able to be honest and comfortable in referring to a fellow human being who happens to be of the other gender, as your Best Friend.