Aplatonic
Aplatonic (sometimes abbreviated as "apl" and occasionally pronounced like “apple”) is an identity on the aplatonic spectrum. It most commonly describes someone who experiences little or no platonic attraction, or who does not relate to the concept of platonic love in the way society typically expects.
The term is often used within aromantic and a-spec communities. It may also be used by some neurodivergent or traumatized aro people whose experiences with friendship and emotional closeness differ from social norms.
Aplatonic does not simply mean “having no friends” or “not wanting friends,” though either can be true for some aplatonic people. At its core, the term usually refers to not experiencing platonic crushes (sometimes called “squishes”) or that feeling of really wanting a specific person in your life in a platonic way.
Some aplatonic people still form strong platonic bonds or enjoy friendships. Others may not feel that the word “love” accurately describes those relationships.
Origins of the Term
The term aplatonic is believed to have been introduced on the AVEN forums in 2012.
It follows a similar construction to terms like “asexual” and “aromantic,” using the prefix “a-” to mean “without” or “lacking.”
Related Terms
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