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Love and friendship are profound emotions that leave a lasting impact on our lives. While love can be exclusive and possessive, friendship is characterized by its unconditional and enduring nature. Let’s delve into the differences between these two remarkable connections.
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What is Love?
Love is not just the romantic story of a couple that we have been told. In fact, there are different types of love. According to the Real Academia Española, the primary definition of ‘amor’ is “the intense feeling that, arising from our own insufficiency, seeks union with another being.”
However, the love we usually envision is the one we feel exclusively for someone who attracts us, brings us joy, and energizes us. Romantic love often involves a multifaceted connection, where we value the person’s personality and desire their friendship. It goes beyond physical attraction; it aims for a deep emotional bond that lasts.
What is Friendship?
Friendship is a type of love. The RAE describes it as a “personal affection that is pure, selfless, and shared with another person, born and strengthened through interaction.” Plato believed that true friends seek to live more authentic and fulfilled lives by genuinely connecting with one another and teaching each other.
With friends, we experience both the happy and challenging moments. We care for and respect each other without expecting or demanding more. Among friends, we practice patience, accept their flaws, and do not try to change them.
When Does Friendship Turn into Love?
Can friendship evolve into love? Absolutely. What starts as a platonic connection can often develop into romantic love, and this happens quite frequently. Friendships are not static bonds; they change over time and can grow into different levels.
Naturally, we tend to fall in love with those who are close to us. Even if we weren’t initially attracted to the person when we first met them, our perception may change over time. We may discover their kindness and compassion, how much they value and respect our opinion, and how they make us laugh. Friendships turning into romances are not just confined to movies; they happen more often in real life than we might think.
If you find yourself developing feelings for a friend, or if a friend is developing feelings for you, remember that it is completely natural and common. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing a romantic relationship, as it can potentially impact your friendship in the future. The question is, is it worth it?
How to Differentiate Between Love and Friendship
While there is no one-size-fits-all way to fall in love, there are some key physical and emotional signs to look out for:
- You think about that person a lot. You feel inclined to share your experiences with them every day. You worry about their difficulties, and you talk about them to your family.
- You feel safe with them. Trust is a crucial aspect of love. When you see them, you may notice yourself relaxing, similar to the feeling of coming home after a long day.
- Life becomes more exciting. Love triggers hormones that make everything seem more thrilling. Even mundane activities can feel invigorating and filled with renewed energy.
- You want to spend a lot of time with them. You may crave their company more than ever. Even if they are sad or upset, you want to offer them your support.
- You feel a tinge of jealousy towards others. You might notice yourself paying attention to the people they spend time with and questioning their relationship. This usually fades as trust grows.
As you can see, love and friendship are two sides of the same coin. Both are equally valuable, and it’s essential to surround ourselves with diverse forms of love to enrich our lives. Let’s strive to be millionaires in terms of affection.
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Article sources:
- 6 Ways Friendship Is Good for Your Health
- Friendship Love vs. Romantic Love: 8 Differences You Should Know
- What’s the Difference Between Friendship and Love?
- Here’s How to Tell If You Love Someone — and What to Do
- Amor (Real Academia Española)
