Friendship vs Romantic Relationship – What Do You Choose?
Friendship vs romantic relationship—what are the key differences and the common factors? To think of it, many common elements define romantic love and deep friendships. A few of them are emotional connection, commitment, and trust. Without these key elements, none of them can survive—neither romantic relationships nor friendships.
Let’s unravel the complexities of romantic relationships and friendships in this article.
Friendship Vs romantic relationship – understanding the basics
Before we answer this question, let us define friendship and romantic relationships. It is important to define the terms and find similarities and differences between friendships and romantic relationships before we delve deep into the question of finding out which one is better.
So, let’s start by defining both the terms.
What is friendship?
Friendship is something that two people share when they have common interests and likings. This relationship is based on a platonic connection, and there is a strong emotional bond without being sexually attracted to each other.
A close friend is someone you like to spend time with doing activities that you both like. You might be vulnerable with them and discuss intimate details of your life with them. Friendships are made in different scenarios such as school, college, workplace, social events, etc.
Friendships need commitment and effort to maintain. Keeping in touch, helping out your friend in difficult times, and sharing activities are some important ways in which friendships can be maintained.
What is a romantic relationship?
Romantic relationships involve emotional connection, just like friendships, but a romantic relationship is defined by sexual attraction and romantic love toward the other person.
Two people share an exclusive and committed relationship characterized by strong sexual desire and strong feelings of love and affection. Trust, communication, and mutual respect are the key factors of a healthy romantic relationship.
Now that we know the definitions of both terms, let us find out what are the key differences and similarities between friendship and romantic love.
What are the key differences between friendship and romantic relationships?
- Physical intimacy: While friendships do have some degree of intimacy associated, such as hugging and holding hands, the degree of physical intimacy is higher in romantic relationships.
- Emotional vulnerability: Friends do share private details about their lives, but the level of expressing emotional vulnerability is higher in romantic relationships. We tend to share extremely private matters with our partner, such as our deepest thoughts and desires,
- Frequency of communication: We are constantly in touch with our close friends, but when we are romantically involved with someone, we tend to communicate a lot more with them than with our friends, and the communication is way more intimate.
- Intensity: Friendships can tend to be more ‘patient’ as there are not many expectations. Romantic relationships can tend to be more passionate and, at times, more aggressive.
- Romantic love can be selective: You may have friends from different backgrounds, but you may focus on a few key requirements when you look for romantic love.
What are the key similarities between friendship and romantic relationships?
- Both friendship and romantic love involve trust, emotional connection, respect, and commitment.
- Good and healthy communication is vital in maintaining both types of relationships.
- Both require continuous effort. You have to be supportive, be there for them in difficult times, and stay up-to-date about the happenings in their life. This is required of both types of relationships.
- Having similar interests is also a key factor in having lasting and deep friendships and romantic relationships.
- Another key factor is proximity. The mere exposure to this person on a daily basis strengthens the bond. It doesn’t mean that long-distance relationships and friendships are not strong, but in that case, too, an amount of proximity via regular communication has to be maintained.
So, let’s finally explore the answer to the question: Which Is Better in Friendship Vs Romantic Relationship?
Deep friendships and romantic relationships—both can bring in a lot of psychological benefits. We have a sense of belonging and a great support system in both cases. People in healthy relationships tend to have better physical and mental health.
A supportive partner or a supportive friend can encourage you to take up healthy behaviors such as exercising regularly or getting enough sleep. Being in a relationship can bring a sense of fulfillment, companionship, intimacy, and mutual connection.
Being in a deep friendship can bring in a sense of belonging and give you a sense of freedom. But a toxic relationship, as well as a toxic friendship, can be damaging to your mental health and well-being. Toxic relationships can lead to stress and anxiety and have an extremely negative effect on a person.
It is important to ponder on the question of what you want at this stage of your life. Are you looking for a deep and meaningful romantic connection? Or is something else, such as a career or an unwell family member, taking up your thoughts right now?
Once you find the answers to these questions, you will be able to find out what is the best choice for you at this moment.
While friendship and romantic love might have some strong boundaries that define them and separate them from each other, there is a grey area called ‘friends with benefits.’ Here, the friendship also involves sexual intimacy without actually committing to each other. It is, however, important to note and consider your thought process and characteristics before getting into something like this.
Parting thoughts
While there might not be a clear answer to what is better— romantic relationships or friendships, it is important to note that your mental health and well-being depend on you first.
Lasting friendships and relationships require patience, a lot of effort, and commitment. Both friendship and romantic relationships offer unique advantages and have their own limitations.
Being single or being in a relationship is not a permanent state, and it is important to focus on personal growth and career goals. The key to healthy relationships is healthy communication and honesty.
