What is Platonic Dating And How does it work

Going platonic? We give you all the necessary information to get you started

There is a new beast in town, and it’s called platonic dating.

You get all the upsides of dating, but you don’t have to worry about sex. Some people involve cuddling and kissing in platonic dating, while others keep it strictly platonic. Just inform your date that you are trying out a little thing called platonic dating.

6 different versions of platonic dating – Find out if it’s your thing

The term platonic dating covers a lot of different situations. Below I take a look at the 6 most common ones.

What they all have in common is a strong bond between two people, but no sexual activity and also no desire to take the relationship in a romantic direction.

I also hand out some useful tips to navigate this strange and exciting new landscape.

1. You tried dating, but there was no sexual chemistry

Thanks to dating apps, there are plenty of opportunities to go on dates nowadays. Sometimes you meet someone you really hit it off with, and the two of you have a lot of similar interests.

He I just the kind of person you would like to have in your life.

There is no sexual attraction

However, both of you are also in agreement that there is no sexual chemistry. This is a crucial part of platonic dating. You don’t want to get into a friend zone kind of situation.

Are you afraid that you already ended up on the wrong side of the track, check out my article We act like a couple, but we are not official.

You decide to continue seeing each other

Since there is a mutual liking, you decide to continue getting to know each other. Welcome to platonic dating.

2. You have an incredibly close friendship

Another version of platonic dating is when two friends have a close and supportive relationship.

They are both aware that there is no sexual chemistry going on, but they decide to invest a little bit extra in their relationship. As a result, they take their commitment to each other seriously.

They go out for dinner; they go to the movies and they might be each other’s “plus one” at weddings. In some cases, they might even move in together.

You can (and should) date your friends

Searching for the one can be mentally draining. It helps to have a good support system.

To not become desperate for a relationship, make sure you have plenty of platonic friendship dates in your life. Treat your friends with the same love and care as you would a potential love interest.

Yes, you can absolutely have a picnic and drink champagne with your friend.

3. Sugar daddy relationships

Some sugar relationships don’t involve sex. Instead, both parties are focused on taking care of each other’s needs.

The sugar daddy gets a charming piece of arm candy to go on dates with. The sugar baby gets gifts and treats. Thus, they also fall under the category of platonic dating.

To not end up in a conflict, make sure both parties are in agreement. It’s not platonic dating if one person longs to take the relationship to the bedroom. (Then it’s just stringing someone along, regardless of the age gap.)

4. One or two people are asexual

Nowadays asexual is a term most people are familiar with. Not everyone is biologically wired to enjoy sex. Some people have just never been interested in sex. They don’t see what all the fuss is about. Fair enough

Platonic dating sites do exist

Luckily, there are plenty of dating sites for platonic dating. The most popular is Asexualcupid.

Just because you are asexual doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t want to have a relationship. In today’s society, it is possible to meet like-minded people.

Respect your own boundaries and enjoy this new thing called platonic dating.

If you want to become attracted to someone

If you on the other hand long for that special feeling of attraction, I recommend my article I’m not attracted to anyone.

5. You have been hurt in the past, so you want to take things slow

When you have been burned, getting back into dating can feel overwhelming. Once again, platonic dating comes to the rescue.

You get to practice going on dates, making conversation and slowly building a connection with another human being.

To make platonic dating work, it’s important to not flirt. Once you start flirting and bringing forward sexual energy, you are ready to leave platonic dating behind.

Be honest from the first conversation

Everyone can relate to feeling protective of your own sensitive heart, just state your preference. Maybe the other person is looking for the same thing?

Platonic dating is a great way of dipping your toe in the love and connection puddle.

6. You are taking a break from sex

There are lots of reasons to take a break from sex. The reasons might be religious, spiritual or psychological. Some people are advised by their therapist to take sex out of the picture for a limited time period.

Not “being allowed” to have sex give you the opportunity to focus on other important areas of your life.

Give platonic dating a go

Just because you have decided to put sex on the backburner doesn’t mean you cannot explore other humans and what they have to offer you. Since sex is out of the picture you can form a deeper bond with your date. A connection based on other aspects than sexual chemistry. This is one of the strengths of platonic dating.

The upside of platonic dating

You see people as who they are, not for the sexual validation or gratification they might give you. Since they cannot sleep with you, they are forced to view you as a person, not as a sexual object.

You want to find out more about yourself and what you like

Platonic dating is a tool to use when you want to find out more about who you are in relationship to other people. Instead of being focused on getting laid, try deep conversations, dancing and cooking a nice meal together.

A Final Note

The desire for sex can sometimes overshadow other needs and possibilities. When you take sex out of the picture you are free to explore each other as spiritual beings.

Enjoy this new adventure.