Love and friendship have many similarities, and for this reason, it is not always easy to differentiate between them. If you have doubts about whether you are in love or just have a deep friendship, there are some signs to look out for that can help…
There can be no love without friendship, and we often describe our partner as our best friend. It is also not possible to be a true friend without loving the other person because friendship is a deep type of relationship that only develops when there is complicity, affection, sincerity, and other feelings that are intrinsically linked to love.
Due to the similarities, it is often difficult to determine whether what a couple is feeling is romantic love or simply the affection typical of a friendship.
What do love and friendship have in common?
Love and friendship have many things in common, including:
- Intimacy: Both love and friendship involve a strong emotional bond that allows us to share secrets, express our feelings, and feel comfortable in each other’s company.
- Respect: Respect is a crucial aspect of both friendship and love. There is often mutual admiration, as it is impossible to maintain a close emotional relationship without feeling a special consideration for the other person’s qualities.
- Affinity: Both love and friendship involve a compatibility of interests and tastes, which contributes to the creation of a strong emotional bond. When there is affinity, the exchange of ideas takes place naturally, and the time spent together is generally very pleasant, strengthening the relationship.
In addition, both types of relationships can improve our health and well-being. Various studies indicate that people who love their partner or who have a large network of friends tend to have lower blood pressure, experience less stress, have stronger immune systems, are happier, and live longer.
What are the differences between love and friendship?
Although it is possible to confuse love with friendship, wanting someone as a friend is not the same as wanting them as a romantic partner. The main differences between the two are:
- Exclusivity: While most couples demand mutual exclusivity, this is not the case in friendship, as we can be friends with many people at the same time.
- Sex: Sex plays a crucial role in romantic relationships. It increases levels of oxytocin in the body, the love hormone, and contributes to bonding and greater emotional intimacy. In contrast, sexual interest does not exist in a friendship.
- Life plans: In a healthy romantic relationship, there are short, medium, and long-term plans. When you love someone, it is natural to plan a life together and share dreams and responsibilities. In a friendship, everyone follows their life independently.
It is also possible to love someone who does not feel the same way about us, but it is impossible to have a friendship without reciprocity.
How do you know if it’s love or friendship?
The line between love and friendship is thin, but some fundamental differences can help identify when you want someone as a romantic partner or just as a good friend.
According to psychologists, love begins with infatuation and generates obvious physical and emotional reactions. These include the famous “butterflies in the stomach.” Other signs that the relationship has moved beyond friendship include:
- Increased need for physical contact and intimacy.
- Constantly thinking about the other person.
- Speaking positively about the person often.
- Wanting to spend more time with them.
- Feeling physical attraction.
- Feeling jealousy or sadness when the person dates others.
- Paying attention to how you dress or look when you are with them.
Ultimately, the best way to know if it’s love or friendship is to listen to your heart. Think deeply about how you act when you’re in love with someone and compare.
