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Cristina Crescenzo (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Platonic love, often misunderstood as a mere absence of romantic desire, is a deep and abiding connection that can provide comfort, joy and meaning in our lives. Unlike romantic relationships, which can be complex and fraught with expectations, platonic love between friends offers an unencumbered bond built on mutual respect, trust and shared history. For me, this has been most evident in the friendships I’ve maintained with the same group of male friends since we were five years old. Our friendship has weathered countless ups and downs, yet has remained steadfast in a way that many romantic relationships might envy.

Much like the iconic dynamic portrayed in When Harry Met Sally, where Harry and Sally’s relationship defies the traditional boundaries of friendship and romance, my experience has been a testament to the power of platonic love. In the film, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) debate whether men and women can truly be friends, and while their eventual romantic relationship is undeniable, their friendship is foundational. It is the way they support one another through heartbreaks, frustrations and life changes that forms the core of their bond. Their journey is a portrayal of how deep, unconditional friendship can grow into something more, and yet even in the absence of romance, their connection provides a powerful foundation for what true love, in all its forms, might look like.

In my own life, I’ve had the privilege of maintaining friendships with a few men for over two decades. From the age of five, we’ve shared a bond that transcends the typical definitions of friendship or companionship. We know each other’s deepest flaws, insecurities and vulnerabilities, and yet none of it has driven a wedge between us. Instead, it has strengthened the foundation of our relationship. We are not afraid to share our imperfections because we know that we are accepted unconditionally. This level of trust and understanding isn’t common, and it is a form of love that has always been incredibly fulfilling.

What makes our relationship so special is the absence of the complicated emotions and pressures often found in romantic relationships. There are no games, no expectations that one of us will act as a romantic partner or “fixer” to another. We don’t question each other’s motives or wonder if our actions are driven by romantic interest. Instead, we know that we are there to support each other through thick and thin. Whether it’s celebrating successes, comforting each other through losses or simply sitting in silence while enjoying each other’s company, the comfort and stability of our friendship is what makes it unique.

The ability to make each other laugh is a cornerstone of our connection. Humor has always been a part of how we navigate life’s challenges. It’s an easy way to defuse tension, ease difficult conversations and remind us that, even in the darkest times, there is joy to be found in each other’s presence. Whether reminiscing about our childhood antics or sharing inside jokes that have lasted years, the laughter we share solidifies the understanding that we are in this together, no matter what.

In a world where romantic relationships often come with uncertainty, jealousy and complicated emotions, my platonic friendships offer a sense of relief and security. It’s a rare gift to know that you have people who love you without conditions or ulterior motives. Our bond doesn’t come with the pressure of romantic commitment and yet, it provides a depth of care and connection that many people might only dream of experiencing.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that I don’t value romantic relationships or long for one in the future. In fact, I have always believed that any significant other I may have one day would be incredibly fortunate to inherit the same qualities that define my friendships: trust, mutual respect, acceptance and a sense of humor. If I were to pursue a romantic relationship one day, I would want it to be based on the same principles that guide my friendships. It would need to be one of mutual understanding and support that is free from the pressures and emotional entanglements that can sometimes accompany romance.

Platonic love, at its core, is about acceptance without expectation. It’s about being there for someone without wanting or needing anything in return. In a world where love often feels transactional or coming with conditions, my experiences with my lifelong friends remind me that true connection doesn’t always have to come with romantic undertones. In fact, sometimes, the most profound and lasting relationships are the ones that don’t require anything more than mutual respect, laughter and unwavering support. In the end, a strong friendship, even without romance, is powerful enough to carry us through life’s challenges and offer a love that is enduring and unshakeable.

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I am just a 24-year-old finishing her English bachelor’s degree at Simon Fraser University who loves to read and write in order to help someone in some small way. I will also always advocate for mental health and disabled causes through the written word and Low Entropy lets me do just that.