Platonic love facts for kids
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Platonic love or a platonic relationship describes a very close friendship between two people. This kind of relationship is special because it does not involve any romantic or physical feelings. It is a deep, caring bond based on shared interests and understanding.
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What is Platonic Love?
Platonic love is a strong connection between friends. It means you care deeply about someone without wanting to be their boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner. It is about emotional closeness and respect. People in a platonic relationship often share many things. They might talk about their feelings, hobbies, or dreams. This friendship is built on trust and support.
Where Did the Idea Come From?
The idea of platonic love comes from an ancient Greek philosopher named Plato. He lived a very long time ago, from about 428 to 348 BC. Plato wrote many books and dialogues. In these writings, he explored different kinds of love. He believed there was a type of love that went beyond physical attraction.
Plato's Idea of Love
Plato talked about a special kind of love called erôs. For Plato, erôs was not just about physical desire. Instead, he saw it as a journey. This journey started with appreciating physical beauty. But it then moved towards appreciating beauty in ideas, souls, and knowledge. He thought the highest form of love was for wisdom and goodness itself. This higher love was spiritual, not physical. He described these ideas in his famous books the Phaedrus and the Symposium.
Why is it Called "Platonic"?
The term "platonic" is used because it is based on Plato's teachings. He was the first to describe a love that was not about physical attraction. He focused on the beauty of the mind and spirit. Over time, his ideas influenced how people thought about friendship and love. This is why we use his name to describe non-romantic, deep friendships today.
Modern Meaning of Platonic Love
Today, when people talk about platonic love, they usually mean a close friendship. This friendship is between people who could potentially be romantic partners. However, they choose to keep their relationship strictly as friends. It is a bond where both people respect each other. They enjoy each other's company without any romantic interest. This kind of friendship can be very strong and last a lifetime.
See also
In Spanish: Amor platónico para niños
