Platonic Relationships Outlast Romance

This is more than the "let's just be friends" grinder of a phrase that can rip the hearts out of men and women who fall wounded when it is uttered. Still, many do wonder if it is really possible just to be friends.

Apparently so. And not only that, but some couples thrive in their platonic relationships. The friendship bond, they say, goes way deeper than any other.

In October 2006, the Chicago Tribune Magazine reported on three such couples. Of them, one couple shares an apartment together, the other keeps their college friendship spirit alive, and the third has a very understanding wife/friends.

Was there ever any romantic involvement? Stacy and Glen said they dated for a month, but nothing happened. It instead sparked their platonic love. Amadou and Ione said they went home with other people when they first met. Now they are friends for life. And Kurt and Jennifer, like brother and sister, know when to give each other space in their home as roommates.

Kurt and Jennifer admitted to dating each other's friends, just not each other. In scouring the Internet, it is hard to find optimistic people out there who believe that platonic relationships actually do exist. For those of us who have had male roommates, it is difficult to at least stop from wondering if there is an attraction going on.

What are some of the drawbacks? Attraction is normal, good and hard to suppress if it's there in any minute form at all. Then there's the jealous spouse/friend/lover/sibling/dog that can get in the way of your platonic and happy friendship. As the couple rooming together found out, you can't go around in your underwear like you would if you were married or rooming with someone of the same sex. Or can you? No, probably not a good idea.

The benefits? Stacy and Glen said they enjoy road trips together. They do take a break from each other after they return, but it is nice to have a built-in buddy who will travel with you. And Amadou and Ione said they have a telepathic thing going where they simultaneously email and call each other. Always thinking of each other. Isn't that what it's all about? Somebody who is on your side when the day is through.

Thinking back, we've probably all had some kind of platonic relationship, even if it was way back--like in first grade. Then we didn't care whether our shirt was tucked in right or if our glasses were hip enough or if we had snot coming out of our nose on the playground. We were just pals. Maybe even best pals. If we can have that all back plus a driving buddy or a roommate with whom we get along, then we can call it a great platonic relationship--a friendship of lasting proportions. Ah. Now that's worth the lack of sexual tension, isn't it?