Friendship and Love: Differences and Similarities

There is a huge difference between romantic love and friendship, and then there is so little difference between romantic love and friendship. In friendship, there is love. And in love, there is a certain level of friendship. Some romantic relationships began in friendships anyway.

Similarities

In friendship, there is respect, loyalty, trust, and love. Most true friends stick with each other and promise they got each other’s backs no matter what. They can share secrets with each other, share their plans, share their dreams—without being afraid of being judged. (Some true friends would actually judge and point out the negative aspects of their dreams, secrets, plans—but all for “constructive criticism.”)

In romantic love, there should be respect, loyalty, trust, and love. People in love work on to spending their lives together. They share their secrets to each other, share their plans for the future for both of them, and share their dreams, for both of them.

Differences

While there is love, loyalty, trust, and respect in friendship, there is less demand. Friends know that both lead their own lives. Although each friend may know each other’s secrets, dreams, and plans, they know these plans are for themselves—alone. Not necessarily including the friend.

With friendship, there’s little of the “putting the best foot forward” because there is no need to impress. In a romantic relationship, however, especially during the early stages or the “honeymoon phase,” there’s a lot of impressing happening.

Most true friends do not miss a beat when they are together. Even after not seeing for quite a while, there is connection that can’t be severed. And when they do get to see each other again, it is almost natural to pick up where they left off.

In romantic relationships, however, there is quite the need to constantly connect with the significant other. And there is also the inclination to doubt if the “connection” missed a beat.

There have been stories (fiction or real) told about friendship being a hindrance between two people who have feelings for each other. They do not want to “ruin” the friendship. They care for each other so much that they would rather have each other as friends for life than be in a relationship that they both are not sure would endure.

Then there are also those who are confident enough in their friendship that they think it would be a good foundation for a strong romantic relationship, and so they take their friendship to the next level.

Whatever the situation is, whatever the relationship a couple would choose—friendship or romantic relationship—this would still require respect, trust, loyalty, and love.