un: abnormalitylover, text

[abnormalizes]

How do you tell the difference between romantic love and platonic love?

Everyone I've asked so far has given me a different answer.

Comments

[abnormalizes]

What makes it race? Just from being around them in general? I definitely have friends I do pulse-pounding activities with...

[gentledawn]

It races because of the strength of your love for them. Your longing to be beside them, to touch them, to kiss them, makes it romantic, don't you think?

[abnormalizes]

I am the type of person who will have sex with someone on first meeting if I think they are attractive.

[gentledawn]

Sex can be a sign of romance, but not always. For you, I would say it is a way of communicating. Romance requires intimacy; not simply communicating.

[abnormalizes]

What does intimacy feel like?

[gentledawn]

The meeting of minds and souls. It doesn't have to be perfect - nothing ever is - but the one you love romantically will touch you deeper than most.

[abnormalizes]

I did have that with someone. But that guy is taken.

[Also he very literally touched her mind and soul, which might be an important distinction to make?]

[gentledawn]

I'm sorry. You never know - in the future, he might be available.

[abnormalizes]

I don't want that! He and the guy he's with are super in love, I don't want anything bad to happen to them!

[gentledawn]

You're very kind.

I think your match is out there.

[abnormalizes]

I think not wanting bad things to happen to people you like is pretty standard actually.

[gentledawn]

Not necessarily. Some people can be selfish.

[abnormalizes]

Even with people they supposedly love?

[gentledawn]

Yes. Sometimes especially then.

[abnormalizes]

I’m not an expert on love, obviously, but I thought it was supposed to make you want the other person to be happy.

[gentledawn]

Some imagine they are the only ones that can make the other person happy. In those cases, the connection is dangerous and unnatural.

[abnormalizes]

>big>That at least makes more sense. I don’t have that kind of ego, but plenty of people do.

[gentledawn]

It's best if you don't. I worry for those who think so narrowly.

[abnormalizes]

Oh, don’t worry, that won’t happen. I’m very aware of my shortcomings.

[gentledawn]

Then I will make a point of discovering your talents. I'm sure there are many.

[abnormalizes]

I do have some! I don’t hate myself or anything. I’m great in bed and good at keeping people’s spirits up when bad things are happening.

[gentledawn]

Well, mm. Those are fine attributes! I also think you are kind and open-minded. I hope you never lose your curiosity.

[abnormalizes]

I can agree to some of those! I’m a scientist, it’s important to be curious.

[gentledawn]

Science is alive and well in my world. I think you would like it.

[abnormalizes]

What are some of the latest advancements?