Platonic love is a type of love that is clearly non-sexual and non-romantic, but is still deep, close, and meaningful. Beyond simple friendship, platonic love describes a bond defined by a heartfelt connection, intimacy, and caring.

Term Platonic refers to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, whose work theorized about the nature of love and its highest forms. Plato’s works conceptualized the most enlightened kinds of love as transcending the body in favor of soul love and wisdom love. Because of this, the idea of platonic love have come to be associated with a strong, emotionally intimate connection that goes beyond sexuality and romance.

Today is the deadline Platonic often used to describe the lack of sex and romance in any relationship. Relationships between parents and children, mentors and students, professional colleagues and friends can be called platonic.

“Platonic love can be part of a platonic relationship and is often experienced as a deeper level of caring and connection,” somatic psychologist and sex therapist Holly Richmond, Ph.D., LMFT, CST, tells mbg. “Essentially, people feel love for each other without the basis of sexual interest.”