Types of Relationships

I’m a big believer in the concept of “platonic relationships”. I have many- boyfriends of friends, friends of boyfriends, or just friends of mine. In my examination, there are four types of friendships/ relationships between men and women (this also applies to women and women and men and men but then things get more confusing)

1. Strictly Platonic

This is for people who are off limits (friends husband etc) so you would never even entertain that notion except for maybe a really weird dream. But you can enjoy their company and learn new things from them. Platonic friends are often underrated or undervalued, maybe cuz there isn’t that “sexual zing”. Whatever, I like them just fine.

2. Friends with Benefits

Netflix and Chill? I think we all know what this means. It’s sex/ sexual relations without the romance, without the relationship. I don’t know if I believe in friends with benefits anymore. Someone is going to catch feelings, someone is going to feel trapped. Historically, men like friends with benefits more than their female counterparts but that could be changing.

3.  Relationship

Two people (or three or four depending on negotiations) engage in a loving relationship where they make the other people feel better about themselves, cuddle, and go on dates. I’'s not based only on sex but  that can be a big factor too. With half of marriages ending in divorce it’s hard to say which ones will be happily ever after.

4. Cheating

Another component of relationships is infidelity. Some relationships withstand it; most can’t. Even more common than physical/ sexual cheating is emotional cheating. Using another person the way you would use your boyfriend/ girlfriend. Your significant other should be your best friend. And if some other guy/ girl is instead, that isn’t right.

I simplified a little of this not accounting for sexuality or gender identity. But maybe it isn't that complicated after all. Maybe we are in love in someone and that is everything.