What It Means to Be in a Queerplatonic Relationship

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Exploring a different way to define a close relationship between people

Co-authored by Charity Danker, LPC and Ali Garbacz, B.A.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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Definition

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QPR vs. Romantic & Platonic Relationships

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Signs You May Want a QPR

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How to Be in a QPR

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Expert Interview

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Tips

Somewhere in between the realms of “friendship” and “romance” is the term “queerplatonic.” While the definition of a “queerplatonic relationship (QPR)” varies by person, it’s often described as a relationship between people who may not be romantically attracted to one another, but goes beyond what others might consider to be a “normal” friendship. But what does that mean? And what does a queerplatonic relationship actually look like? Worry not, because we’re here to answer any questions you may have about QPRs and also walk you through some examples of what a QPR can look like.

Things You Should Know

A queerplatonic relationship (QPR) is a close relationship that’s not romantic, yet often goes beyond what a culture considers to be a “normal” friendship.
People in a QPR may not feel romantically attracted to one another, but may still enjoy things like exclusivity and physical intimacy.
Each QPR is unique, and the people involved in the relationship are the ones who define how it differs from other romantic or platonic relationships.

Section 1 of 4:

What is a queerplatonic relationship?

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A queerplatonic relationship (QPR) is a close relationship that’s not strictly romantic or platonic. It’s often defined as a non-romantic relationship that goes beyond what a culture subjectively defines as a friendship. The people in a QPR may behave more intimately than what’s considered “normal” between friends, but they may not feel any romantic attraction for one another. However, every QPR is different depending on what each person is looking to get out of the relationship.^{[1]
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- QPRs are closely tied to the asexual and aromantic communities. People who identify as asexual (ace) or aromantic (aro) often don’t feel sexual or romantic attraction for others, respectively, and so may feel more comfortable in a QPR.
- However, QPRs aren’t exclusive to the ace/aro community, and anyone can participate in a QPR.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 4:

QPR vs. Romantic & Platonic Relationships

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There’s often little to no romantic attraction in a QPR. This isn’t a strict rule, and there are certainly instances where one or more people in a QPR have felt romantic attraction for the other. However, it’s also equally as common for there to be no romantic attraction whatsoever between the people in a QPR.^{[3]
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- An “alloromantic” is a person who feels romantic attraction, while someone who’s “aromantic” usually feels no romantic attraction towards others. It’s definitely possible for an alloromantic and an aromantic to be in a QPR together.
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A QPR may be exclusive like a romantic relationship. Partners in a QPR may decide that they want to be exclusively committed to one another. This might mean that they don’t pursue romantic relationships or other QPRs with other people. A QPR can also involve multiple individuals instead of just a single couple.^{[4]
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- More commitment and exclusivity don’t necessarily make a QPR the same as a romantic relationship.
- QPR partners can prioritize their relationship while still not feeling any romantic attraction or centering their relationship around romance.
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People in a QPR may be more intimate compared to a regular friendship. This can include acts of physical intimacy, like cuddling, hand-holding, and kissing. It can also refer to a deeper sense of emotional intimacy. Those in a QPR might feel like they can be more open and vulnerable with their partner(s) compared to their other friends or family.^{[5]
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- Sexual intimacy can also be a part of a QPR. This is probably one of the biggest things that often sets a QPR apart from a standard friendship.
Things like living together, getting married, and having kids can all be parts of a QPR. Of course, communication is key when making these decisions, and it’s important that the people involved are on the same page before taking these steps.^{[6]
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Section 3 of 4:

Signs You May Want a QPR

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You’re okay with not being romantically and/or sexually intimate. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but many people in QPRs often don’t feel romantically and/or sexually attracted to their partner. Instead, you might just like the other person’s company, and you think your relationship would be just fine without any romantic or sexual aspects. You may also be attracted to them in a way that’s different from sexual and romantic attraction. These other types of attraction include:^{[7]
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- Aesthetic attraction: appreciating the appearance or beauty of a person, but not in a sexual or romantic way.
- Sensual attraction: wanting physical contact with another person but not in a sexual way, such as hugging or cuddling.
- Emotional attraction: desiring to get to know someone because of their personality rather than their physical appearance.
- Intellectual attraction: wanting to engage with someone in more of an intellectual manner, such as through conversation or debate.
This might mean that you want your relationship with them to be more exclusive, but not necessarily romantic. You’re not possessive per se, but you might like the idea of them prioritizing your relationship above others.^{[8]
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Cuddling, hand-holding, kissing, and even sex are all things you might be comfortable doing with this other person. You also might feel like these aren’t things you could do with your other friends.^{[9]
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You want this other person to stay in your life for a long time. You might think of them as your “live-in friend for life” and can see your relationship continuing further into the future. You might even like the idea of moving in together and living together for the foreseeable future.^{[10]
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- You’ve also probably gotten a few comments from friends, family, or even complete strangers telling you that you and this other person make a cute couple, even though you’re not.^{[11]
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Be in a QPR

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Your partner (or “zucchini” as it’s been so affectionately dubbed) can be someone who’s also looking specifically for a QPR, or someone who’s willing to learn more about QPRs through experience. Talk to people you trust and feel comfortable with about QPRs and ask for their thoughts on the matter. Think about your own personal definition of a QPR and share this with them as you discuss the possibility.
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Discuss what you want from this kind of relationship. Are you looking for exclusivity? Physical intimacy? Long-term commitment? All of these are points to cover as you set the groundwork for your relationship. Along with that, also set boundaries in terms of what you don’t want in your relationship. The great thing about QPRs is that each one is different, and you and your partner(s) are the ones making the rules as you go. Some things to talk about include:^{[12]
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- How does each person feel about romance and romantic elements in the relationship?
- What levels of physical intimacy (if any) is each person comfortable with?
- Does this relationship have a specific time frame and/or end date?
- Is there a certain label you want to use for your relationship?
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Make changes as your relationship progresses. The rules you set at the beginning of your relationship aren’t permanent, and you’re free to modify them as you and your partner learn about each other. Maybe you don’t actually want to be that physically intimate after giving it a few tries. Or maybe you want to refer to your partner by a different label. Whatever it may be, don’t be afraid to sit down with your partner and discuss these changes you want.
- Like any friendship or romantic relationship, communication is key to maintaining a healthy QPR.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Am I Aromantic?

Not sure if romantic relationships are for you? Aromantic (AKA “aro”) individuals don’t typically experience romantic attraction and aren’t that interested in romantic relationships. The aromantic spectrum includes a wide variety of preferences—for instance, some aro people might not be interested in relationships at all, while others are potentially interested in platonic partnerships. Take this quiz to get a little more insight into your own identity so you can confidently live your truth.

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Do you develop crushes easily?

Nope! I don’t think I’ve ever crushed on someone.

Maybe a long time ago, but nothing recent.

Sometimes. I only crush on people I’m close with or after I have gotten to know someone.

For sure! It feels like I’m always catching feelings.

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Tips

When it comes down to it, a QPR and its similarities and differences to other types of relationships are defined by the people actively involved in the relationship. While there may be some common traits between QPRs, there is no singular correct definition.

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