Growing up, I always felt like romantic love was the only love that everyone should strive for. It felt like the world was obsessed with it considering how it's often celebrated in movies, literature, and society in general. It seemed like a cure all for everything that was wrong in the world and that as long as you managed to get it, you could go through life no matter how tough it gets. As such, it felt like platonic love was overshadowed when it's just as equally if not more powerful and important in human relationships.

Platonic love is defined as a deep, non-sexual affection between individuals and it goes beyond the constraints of physical attraction or romantic entanglements that come with romantic love. It is rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and emotional intimacy, devoid of the pressures or expectations often associated with romantic partnerships. 

The biggest plus point of platonic love to me is also how it feels more unconditional compared to romantic love as it's less stressful and creates less pressure to maintain. The reason why I say this is because I've always felt like romantic love comes with many expectations of the people involved in it. There are the expectations of commitment, of how people in a romantic relationship should act and treat each other and do. When it comes to platonic love, there's just a mutual acceptance and understanding of each other without any expectations of grand gestures or fidelity. I always felt like there was something a bit more special about two people actively choosing to maintain a platonic friendship that has no strings attached compared to a romantic relationship. 

Moreover, there are so many ways to get platonic love compared to romantic love. Platonic love can come in so many forms, from childhood friends who share a lifetime of memories, to mentor-mentee relationships rooted in mutual respect and guidance, to two people who connected through a mutual love of a hobby. All these different forms of platonic love can allow an individual to enrich themselves with a diverse set of connections. And in a world where the definition of love is often narrowly confined to romantic partnerships, embracing the richness of platonic connections opens doors to a deeper understanding of human affection and connection.

Additionally, platonic love fosters personal growth and self-discovery in ways that romantic relationships often cannot. While romantic love may be fueled by passion and desire (that can often die over time), platonic love is held by mutual respect and admiration which in my personal opinion are more sustainable. To me, friends are a kind of mirror, one that can show me myself in all aspects with unwavering honesty. True friends who care for and love each other will never hesitate to bring you up, to say hard truths and to just be there for you with no expectations. Through their support and encouragement, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, cultivating self-love and acceptance that transcends the confines of romantic validation.

Moreover, platonic love offers a sanctuary from the complexities of romantic entanglements, providing a haven of stability and comfort in a world often characterized by tumultuous relationships. Romantic partnerships may be fraught with jealousy, possessiveness, or unmet expectations. Single fights or the wrong words said can bring a person's mood down for days and the constant question of what the future holds for a romantic relationship will always loom over them. Of course, there are always exceptions to this and there are sometimes instances where friendships to your life, but on the whole I've found platonic friendships to be more chill. Friends offer a refuge from the storm, providing solace and perspective in times of emotional turmoil, without the complications of romantic entanglements.

Platonic love is a deeply underrated aspect of human relationships, offering a wealth of emotional richness and support that is often overlooked in favor of romantic pursuits. I think that platonic love is something that everyone should strive to have before even considering chasing romantic love because it can show you a world of profound connection, understanding, and companionship that is truly invaluable.