Friendship 2.0: Why Women Are Redefining Platonic Love

Forget the outdated idea that romantic love reigns supreme—women are redefining what it means to be truly seen and supported. Welcome to Friendship 2.0, where deep, intentional, and sometimes even life-partner-level platonic bonds take centre stage. From co-parenting to financial partnerships, female friendships are evolving beyond brunch dates and heart-to-hearts. Here’s why the future of love might just be found in your closest friendships.

By Dandy / Mar 04 2025

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We’ve all heard it before: “You’ll be fine, just focus on your friendships.” While it’s well-meaning advice, there’s something about it that doesn’t quite hit the mark, right? For years, we’ve been told that romantic relationships are the ultimate goal, and while they’re great, there’s one type of love we’ve been sleeping on: platonic love.

In the midst of all the hustle and self-improvement culture, women are waking up to the magic of platonic love—a refreshingly deep, transformative, and boundary-pushing concept of what it means to have meaningful women’s friendships in the modern world. Here’s why women are rethinking how we view platonic love—and why it might just be the most underrated kind of connection out there.

The Evolution of Platonic

Friendships

For so long, platonic friendships have been seen as “nice-to-have” but secondary to romantic relationships. Sure, we’ve got our besties, but when life gets busy, romantic relationships often take precedence, and friendships among women can get swept under the rug. In our fast-paced world, quality time with friends can sometimes get reduced to a quick text exchange or a rushed coffee catch-up.

But today, things are changing. We’re starting to realise that women’s friendships aren’t just a nice addition to our lives—they’re essential to our happiness, mental health, and overall well-being. Platonic love is becoming a vital part of our emotional support system, and it’s sparking a shift in how we value these relationships.

The Rise of Intentional Friendships

One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the rise of intentional friendships—those relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions. These friendships aren’t about filling a gap when a romantic relationship isn’t around; they’re about creating deep, emotional connections where both people can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment.

Women are setting clear intentions in their friendships, making sure they nurture relationships that align with their values, interests, and growth. Instead of just “having” friends, we’re now asking: Who are the people who truly lift me up? Who shares my energy? Who makes me feel seen and heard?

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Breaking the “Best Friend” Mould

Let’s face it: we’ve all been sold on the idea that having a single “best friend” is the ultimate goal. The one person who knows us better than anyone, the ride-or-die we’re supposed to turn to for everything. But what if that’s not the only model of a fulfilling friendship?

Friendship 2.0 is about breaking the mold of the traditional “best friend” dynamic and embracing a more diverse, expansive approach to platonic love. Women are expanding their circles to include different kinds of friendships that serve various parts of their lives. Maybe you’ve got a friend who’s your emotional support guru, another who challenges your thinking, and yet another who just makes you laugh until your cheeks hurt. Each relationship is its own unique gift, and there’s no need to put all that pressure on one person.

Platonic Love = Real Love

The biggest shift in this new era of women’s friendships? Platonic love is real love.

Women are coming to terms with the fact that deep, platonic connections are just as valid and valuable as romantic ones. For so long, society has romanticised the idea that love is only valid if it’s tied to physical attraction or a “forever after” relationship. But platonic love challenges this idea and opens the door for a kind of love that doesn’t come with expectation, pressure, or possessiveness.

Think about it: the best friendships often don’t involve jealousy, unhealthy attachment, or the fear of abandonment that can sometimes pop up in romantic relationships. Instead, they’re rooted in trust, shared experiences, and mutual respect. Platonic love among women allows for pure emotional intimacy without the complexities that romantic entanglements can sometimes bring.

Women Leading the Way

So, who’s leading the charge in this rethinking of friendship? Women are at the forefront of this shift, and for good reason: we’ve long understood the power of female connections, whether in sisterhood, mentorship, or friendship.

Take Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga, for example. The pair’s deep, platonic friendship is often cited as a beautiful example of women supporting and loving each other beyond the boundaries of romantic relationships. They’ve openly shared how their connection is built on mutual respect, love, and the importance of maintaining each other's individuality. This kind of open, supportive relationship shows that we can build a profound bond with a friend that doesn’t need romantic attachment to be fulfilling.

Another powerhouse example is Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz’s open celebration of platonic love. While they’re in a romantic partnership, they’ve made it clear that the strongest relationships are built on a foundation of deep, meaningful friendships. Alicia’s openness about her close friendships with women, and her advocacy for self-love, is reshaping the way we see women supporting each other.

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Struggling with Friendships?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That all sounds amazing, but I struggle with maintaining friendships,” you’re not alone. Building and maintaining deep, meaningful friendships can be tough, especially in today’s world where we’re all pulled in different directions. If you’ve had trouble connecting with others or feel like your friendships don’t align with your needs, it might be time to reflect on what you really want from your platonic connections.

Start small. Think about what you value in a friendship and try to focus on quality over quantity. Remember, you don’t need a massive group of friends; you need a few close ones who genuinely care about your well-being. And if you’re struggling to find that connection, don’t be afraid to seek support—whether through therapy, community groups, or talking with other women about how they nurture their friendships. Sometimes, making new friends means rediscovering what makes friendships truly special and how you can be an authentic version of yourself in those relationships.

The Perks of Platonic Love

Why all this fuss about platonic love among women, anyway? Well, here are a few reasons why it's seriously worth celebrating:

No pressure: Platonic love doesn’t come with the weight of romantic expectations. No need to worry about your friends expecting anything from you other than your real, authentic self.

Emotional support: The emotional support we get from friends often fills in gaps that romantic relationships can’t always touch. Whether it’s dealing with work stress, family drama, or just a rough day, having a close friend who’s “got your back” is invaluable.

Self-growth: Our friends challenge us, teach us, and encourage us to grow into better versions of ourselves. Platonic love opens the door to new perspectives, fresh ideas, and support in our journey to self-improvement.

No drama: Healthy women’s friendships tend to be low-drama. You can be real without worrying about misunderstandings or jealousy creeping in.

Lifelong bonds: Platonic love doesn’t have an expiration date. Friends can be there for you in all stages of life—whether you’re single, married, or living your best solo life. They can be your lifelong companions on your personal journey.

What’s Next for Friendship?

As we move into the future, it’s clear that the way we view and cultivate friendships among women is shifting. Platonic love is no longer just a “side” relationship that exists while we wait for romantic love to happen. It’s becoming the main event, with women everywhere embracing the idea that these deep, meaningful connections are just as important—and sometimes more important—than romantic relationships.

So, whether it’s a text from your bestie that makes you smile, a coffee date with a friend that’s always there for you, or a deep late-night conversation that leaves you feeling seen and understood, we’re embracing the full power of platonic love. Because at the end of the day, those women’s friendships are the ones that truly make life worth living.