I recently found out that something like aplatonic exists and I have interesting things to say about the way I reacted to it.
My first reaction was confusion. How can someone not feel platonic love? Isn't that one of the most basic human needs? Is it even possible to live without platonic love? How are these people not sad?
My next reaction was indignation. No. That doesn't make sense. That's bullshit. I don't believe there is a single person on this planet who could go without platonic relationships. I can't imagine it. That person is definitely hurting their friends when they don't feel anything in their friendships.
And then... Well, I looked it up. I read about the concept. And I accepted it. Because who am I to talk into people's feelings? That thing can't be influenced by either of us. Best I can do is wish them luck.
So, why am I saying this?
These reactions are the same as those of allo people when they hear about aro/ace folk for the first time. A lot of the time without the last step. As an aro/ace myself, I've been affected by such behavior in the past (still am sometimes), so I try my best to be understanding.
I cannot imagine a world where I couldn't feel platonic love because it's basically the only thing I was given to feel connected to people. But that's the thing. I couldn't imagine. I would be so sad if I couldn't feel platonic love.
My circumstances are different.
Which is why I was ashamed. I went through stigma, I still go through stigma, as an aromantic/asexual person, and it's not fair of me to give the same treatment to others.
So, I simply... Won't. I have my opinion. I still don't understand it yet.
Doesn't mean I have to be an asshole about it
