Platonic Soulmates
August 27, 2024
Credit: Pinterest
Writer: Aleida Fernández
Editors: Dani Eder, Ava Malkin, & Kate Shapiro
There’s something incredibly special about the morning after a night out, sitting with your friends over coffee, recounting and laughing over every little detail from the evening before. The anticipation of getting ready together, choosing outfits, and doing makeup while sharing stories and plans for the night ahead. The therapy that is aimlessly driving around, belting out your favorite songs together, and going for ice cream just because we feel like having a sweet treat. Always having that person to rant and cry to when that boy breaks your heart or when it feels like your thoughts are consuming you. The quote "Everything I’ve learned about love, I’ve learned in my long-term friendships with women" by Dolly Alderton transported me to these moments with my best friends. Moments that may seem small but are profoundly meaningful to me. It got me thinking– What is love, really?
The Miriam Webster dictionary defines love as:
a "strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties," which beautifully encapsulates the essence of friendship.
attraction based on sexual desire: affection and tenderness felt by lovers”
Typically when we talk about love, we instinctively consider the second definition. Our minds tend to lean towards romantic love, the kind marked by passion, romance, and partners. Society places a big emphasis on thrilling romance and the search for a romantic soulmate.
On the other hand, I resonate more with the first definition; the most genuine love I give and receive comes from my friendships. Unlike the fleeting highs and devastating lows often associated with romantic relationships, the love in my friendships provides a consistent, unwavering support system. From elementary school playgrounds to adult life's complexities, my best friends have been an important asset to my emotional well-being and growth. These relationships have taught me unparalleled lessons about loyalty, joy, and sisterhood. Whether it be navigating family troubles, exploring personal growth, or enduring a heartbreak, these women have transformed into my safe haven. I truly would not be who I am today and would never have experienced such growth as a woman without my friends. Through laughter and tears, their presence was as impactful as any cliche love story portrayed in romantic comedies. This love encompasses an in-depth understanding of each other's silences and a celebration of each other's victories as if they were our own. This form of intimacy with my best friends has fostered an environment where I can truly be myself.
The love experienced in friendships extends beyond the comfort and joy they provide; it shapes our understanding of love itself. Through my friendships, I’ve learned that love is not confined to romantic gestures and intimacy, but it can be found in other places as well. These relationships, rich in loyalty and affection, remind us of the diverse ways in which love manifests and enriches our lives. As we continue to grow and navigate human relationships, we should cherish and celebrate the platonic loves of our lives. Our platonic soulmates are the most underrated love stories, yet often the most impactful in our lifetime.
