Buzz
Considering a marital bond with your closest confidant?
A platonic marriage typically refers to when two individuals, devoid of any romantic or sexual involvement, opt to enter matrimony together. While not a novel concept, many duos are now openly discussing such unions, advocating for others to consider tying the knot with their platonic companions. If you're pondering the advantages of such an arrangement, the demographics opting for it, or its suitability for you, you've arrived at the right destination. Let's delve in!
Key Points to Consider
- A platonic marriage denotes a legal alliance between two individuals who lack any romantic or sexual entanglement.
- Embracing platonic matrimony grants the freedom to pursue other romantic connections while fostering a stable, reliable partnership with a cherished friend.
- Individuals may opt for a platonic marriage due to prior agreements with a friend, asexual orientation, or a mutual desire to co-parent.
Guiding Steps
Understanding Platonic Matrimony
Platonic marriage refers to a legal union devoid of romantic or sexual involvement. However, it's crucial to note that these unions often entail a deep bond of trust, confidence, and loyalty between the partners. Some couples grant each other the freedom to pursue romantic relationships outside the marriage, while others, identifying as asexual, lack interest in such connections altogether, even within the marital context.
- Platonic marriages can encompass both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. Additionally, colloquially, some may jest about having a “work spouse,” implying an unofficial platonic marriage.
Platonic marriages hold full legal recognition. Marriage licenses issued by states do not inquire about the romantic or sexual involvement between the marrying individuals. Furthermore, with the legalization of same-sex marriages, friends of any gender can enter into matrimony. State authorities primarily seek authenticity in commitments, requiring honesty regarding personal details like name and birthdate.
- Consequently, platonic married couples possess the same capacity for divorce as traditional couples. Notably, such divorces often transpire more amicably, rooted in a foundation of friendship rather than issues like infidelity or waning interest.
- However, international marriages are subject to different regulations and may necessitate a Green Card interview to ascertain the marriage's authenticity. Under these circumstances, a platonic marriage might not be a viable option.
Benefits of a Platonic Union
You gain a steadfast, reliable life companion. Contrary to romantic relationships, platonic marriages often offer a more enduring and adaptable connection, devoid of the fear of abandonment or betrayal. They afford partners the chance to explore diverse facets of themselves and forge distinct experiences and memories alongside trusted friends.
- Due to their lower propensity for acrimonious separations, platonic marriages can spare individuals the anguish of heartbreak.
Freedom from the pressure to constantly please each other. Many relationships suffer from instability due to issues like jealousy, boredom, poor communication, or infidelity. However, in a platonic marriage between two close friends, there's often less concern about maintaining a romantic connection or fulfilling each other's sexual needs. Consequently, both partners may feel more at ease being themselves within the marriage.
- Most platonic relationships do not involve sexual activity, although some may include it provided romantic feelings are absent.
A shared, profound bond of respect. Choosing a platonic marriage means committing to spending a lifetime with the person you trust and feel closest to. Since this type of partnership typically lacks sexual or romantic intimacy, both partners recognize and honor each other's needs, boundaries, and aspirations.
Potentially smoother than traditional marriage. Platonic marriages, defined by inherent boundaries and devoid of sexual or romantic entanglements, often prove less intricate than traditional unions. This simplicity can lead to fewer conflicts and reduce the likelihood of a breakup.
- While there are no official statistics on divorce rates in platonic marriages, such unions tend to end amicably, rooted in a foundation of friendship and mutual goodwill.
Access to numerous legal benefits, including tax breaks and social security benefits. Marrying platonically not only offers psychological and emotional rewards but also carries economic advantages. While benefits may vary by state, some universal advantages include:
- Tax benefits: Joint state tax filing, spousal deductions, property inheritance exemptions, and property interest transfers.
- Social Security benefits: Eligibility for spousal benefits, irrespective of employment history under Social Security.
- Insurance benefits: Potential coverage for spouses by state, municipal, and private employers, with same-sex coverage contingent on company policies.
- Healthcare: Authorization for emergency medical decisions, family medical leave, and bereavement leave.
- Parental rights: Recognition as parents for opposite-sex partners' children and potential legal steps for non-biological parents in same-sex relationships to secure parental rights.
- Inheritance and property rights: Simplified processes for property transfer and joint ownership.
Advantages of a Platonic Union
Seeking a partner without the complexities of sex or romance. Perhaps you're uninterested in a committed romantic relationship, identify as asexual, or desire a life partner who embraces your connections with others. Some individuals simply seek companionship devoid of the necessity for sexual or romantic fulfillment.
Considering raising a child with your closest confidant. Many opt to become 'platonic parents,' joining in marriage to nurture a child together. This could involve LGBTQ+ friends forming a family unit, supporting a child after one partner's bereavement, or long-standing friends embarking on parenthood.
- Platonic partners with children often find it easier to resolve conflicts as the child's well-being takes precedence over romantic considerations.
- Some couples may choose to have children while maintaining a platonic relationship otherwise.
Honoring a pact made with a close friend. Certain individuals agree that if they remain unattached by a certain age, they'll marry each other. While some agreements remain unfulfilled, others proceed to marry platonically.
Transitioning from a traditional marriage to a platonic partnership. This shift denotes a deliberate choice to move from a romantic to a platonic relationship. Couples in this scenario may continue their union to prioritize shared parenting responsibilities despite losing the romantic spark.
- In a platonic marriage, both parties mutually agree before marriage to forgo a sexual or romantic relationship, distinguishing it from a sexless marriage where the absence of sex occurs without explicit agreement.
Preparing for a Platonic Union
Engage in thorough discussions with your potential partner. Before committing, establish boundaries and openly discuss your preferences and limitations. Consider the following points when discussing a platonic marriage:
- Decide on the extent of physical intimacy within the relationship, including interactions with others.
- Define the concept of respect within your partnership.
- Identify topics that may be uncomfortable to discuss, such as external sexual relationships.
- Establish communication strategies to address conflicts promptly.
Transitioning from Traditional to Platonic Marriage
A shift to a platonic dynamic may occur if sexual chemistry diminishes. Several factors can contribute to this change, including differences in libido, physical or mental health issues, or a sense of sexual monotony. Common reasons for a relationship feeling platonic or sexless include:
- Discrepancies in libido levels between partners.
- Effects of mental or physical health conditions on sexual enjoyment.
- Monotony in sexual experiences that once felt enjoyable and exciting.
Work towards rejuvenating your sexual connection if desired. Express your feelings to your partner and discuss your desires regarding your sex life. Seek compromises together and consider the following tips to reignite passion:
- Engage a couples therapist to enhance communication and understanding.
- Express affection and intimacy regularly, whether through massages, cuddles, or small gestures.
- Inject romance into your relationship with date nights, getaways, or thoughtful gestures.
- Schedule intimate moments to build anticipation and mental preparation.
