Marriage is commonly thought to be the union of two people who are so deeply in love and wish to spend the rest of their lives together. Over the past few years, there has been an evident change in the fundamentals that constitute a marriage, however one major factor has always tended to remain the same; the love shared between the people getting married. This age-old notion, however, is being challenged with the recent growth in popularity of platonic marriages.
Platonic marriages centres around the idea of companionship - two parties who wish to come together as life partners, sharing an immense love and respect for one another that is not romantic and free from any sexual intimacy. A New York Times article explains that:
“Couples in this type of arrangement often find compatibility and understand each other well, while also agreeing to the guidelines [of marriage] without being blinded by romantic feelings.”
So, why would someone choose to partake in this type of union instead of a traditional one? For some, it provides a level of stability and trust in their lives, that they have yet failed to receive in other romantic relationships. This means that they can enjoy the romantic freedom of someone who is single, yet still have a life partner to fall back on, raise a family with and grow old with. It also poses many practical benefits, particularly posing an alternative to couples who wish to remain with one another yet have fallen out of love. Additionally, it appears more appealing to many asexual, pansexual, aromantic and some polyamorous couples who find kinship and companionship more appealing than a traditional romantically fuelled marriage.
However, many people remain reluctant in accepting the concept. In a recent survey by the US National Health and Social Life agency reported that 2% of married couples have not been intimate over a year – technically classifying them as platonic. The real percentage, however, remains unknown, which is a major indicator that this form of marriage is not beneficial. A large number of people also believe that platonic marriages are unethical and considered as a ’sham marriage’ since technically, people who consider themselves ‘just friends’ should not get married.
Though this remains a growing point of conversation between those who invite this new form of marriage and those that prefer to stick to the traditional way, it has not stopped thousands of people globally who are in platonic relationships get married, against the will of many in our society.
If you or someone you know wish to to discuss this issue further, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 8999 9809.