Getting into a new relationship feels new and exciting, and you can’t wait to spend every moment with your new partner. However, as time goes on, you realize you haven’t met up with your friends in weeks. Balancing your platonic and romantic relationships is extremely important; it can be tricky but not impossible!
Both relationships are important to nurture and care for. Your platonic relationships are there for you throughout all of your romantic relationships and provide a companionship that romantic partners can’t replicate. On the flip side, romantic relationships are able to fulfill emotional and physical needs that platonic relationships can’t satisfy.
1. Understand the Differences and Importance of Platonic and Romantic Relationships
A romantic relationship is usually characterized by emotional connection, commitment, and physical intimacy with a special person. This relationship usually fulfills desires for companionship, love, and potentially sexual intimacy.
Unlike romantic relationships, platonic relationships are much more diverse and can range from casual acquaintances to deep-connected friendships. This relationship can involve emotional intimacy without the romantic or sexual components.
Friendships fulfill a basic human need for social interaction and companionship. They’re essential for psychological well-being, as they provide emotional support, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. Good friends can boost serotonin levels just by being present and offering a safe space to be yourself.
Romantic relationships, however, satisfy the desire for deep emotional connection and sexual fulfillment. They provide a sense of partnership and commitment that is unique from platonic bonds. This is why maintaining both is crucial—one cannot fully replace the other.
Oftentimes, we come across a common misconception that your partner should be your “everything” and that you should prioritize them. However, the other side of the argument would present that your friends will stick with you forever even if your partner does not. This can lead to a feeling that someone must prioritize one over the other, which causes imbalances and disorder in both relationships.
Romantic partners aren’t meant to meet all emotional needs, just as friends shouldn’t always come second. The key is to avoid the either-or mindset and recognize that both types of relationships are valuable.
2. Common Challenges in Balancing Platonic and Romantic Relationships
Some common challenges in balancing platonic and romantic relationships are time management, jealousy, insecurity, and unrealistic expectations. Balancing time between platonic and romantic relationships can feel impossible, especially when trying to maintain quality connections with both. It is easy to feel guilty or overwhelmed when trying to spend time with either side. Jealousy and insecurity can also arise from either side. A romantic partner may feel left out if you are spending “too much time” with your friends or your friends may feel left out when you spend more time with your partner compared to them.
Expecting one relationship to meet all your emotional needs is a recipe for disappointment. Friends and romantic partners fulfill different roles, and relying on one person too heavily can strain the relationship.
Many people unintentionally distance themselves from their friends after entering a new relationship. Even though it is common, it usually leads to weakened friendships, regret, and turmoil in platonic relationships.
3. Strategies for Balancing Platonic and Romantic Relationships
It is important to understand the different challenges that can arise when entering a new romantic relationship and how they can affect other relationships. By being aware of these challenges, strategies can be set in place to have harmonious relationships.
The first strategy is to prioritize quality experiences over the quantity of experiences. Instead of trying to do everything with both your friends and your partner, focus on making the time you spend with your loved ones meaningful. You can schedule regular hangouts with friends and dedicated date nights to maintain strong connections without overextending yourself.
It is also important to have healthy communication with your friends and your partner to set boundaries and manage expectations. An example of healthy communication is talking to your friends about how entering a new romantic relationship can affect the time you spend together. It is important to communicate openly with your friends and partner because it can address insecurities before they turn into conflicts.
Having group hangouts with your friends and partner can also help balance both relationships. While this may seem strange, it is very beneficial for your friends and partner to get to know each other better, which can help your social circles blend naturally. When your friends and partner get along, it can reduce the pressure to choose who to be with at what time.
When entering a new relationship, it is natural to want to spend every moment with them. However, it is important to maintain some independence away from your relationship. You can maintain your independence and individuality by pursuing hobbies, goals, and personal growth outside of your relationships. It’s healthy to have a life that doesn’t revolve around one person, and it can also help prevent feelings of suffocation or resentment.
Balancing romantic and platonic relationships isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort. By setting boundaries, communicating openly, and making time for both relationships, you can maintain meaningful connections without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, it’s not about choosing one over the other but finding harmony with both.
What are some strategies you use to balance your romantic and platonic relationships? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU!