Plato didn't see this coming...

Before I start, I'd like you to very carefully read this shocking piece of of information from wikipedia :

"The term amor platonicus was coined as early as the 15th Century by the Florentine scholar Marsilio Ficino as a synonym for "amor socraticus". Both expressions signify a love focused on the beauty of a person’s character and intelligence rather than on their physical charms. They refer to the special bond of affection between two men Plato had highlighted in the dialogue, and exemplified by the affection between Socrates and his young male pupils, and in particular to the one between Socrates and Alcibiades."

Among the list of related articles was:

• Asexuality
• Historical pederastic couples
• Pederasty

Need I say more? Well I guess I will cos some people never learn! I've never trusted platonic love (in its present context) but have always wanted to believe it (I still do!) . The words " Ek ladka aur ek ladki kabhi dost nahin ban sakte Prem!" in the movie Maine Pyar Kiya, which still echo in bollywood's great arenas, was very conveniently thrown from the villain's mouth to convince suspecting parents that their daughters were in good company. Millions of teenage Indian boys celebrated. So did I. I was glad that I could now be better friends with all the girls I've ever known and when my smarter than usual mother asks me, I just casually remark a "Oh, we're just friends Ma.. don't be so narrow minded!". She never bought it though.

Then as I grew older, I realised that girls take this to their advantage by turning down every guy they don't want to get too close to with "I don't want to spoil our friendship" or a very innocuous "Why can't we just be good friends?" to which the guy smiles and says "Of course! thats how it has always been, hasn't it?" while his heart melts right into his bottom. There are several variations like "I respect you a lot", etc..

I'm not saying that the only reason guys start a friendship with girls is because they are sexually attracted to them or their friends, it's just a lot more complex than that. I believe that if you have a set of friends with mixed sexes and you hang around together for long enough then you are bound to be attracted to one of them. In due time. It's quite natural.


Disclaimer: this is not the only clause. There are several if's and else's involved. Like I said, Its quite complex .. even to blog about.

Rest assured, Plato has given the world the best excuse and a weapon of unparalleled simpicity.