: Re: How do I convey that a relationship is platonic? I've been toying around with the idea of writing a novel. The story revolves around two characters, one male and one female, and the perspective

@Bryan361

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I agree that establishing the platonic nature of the relationship is important. There are a number of ways to approach it, as in David Doyle's answer.

But additionally, I wanted to point out a couple key things to consider:

Be aware that even if you gently indicate that the relationship is platonic, many readers will still be watching for signs that there's a potential relationship waiting to blossom. That is the nature of literature - many of humanity's stories revolve around a romance story or contain one, thus readers will have a strong tendency to suspect romance. They may even start to hold out hope.

Therefore, if you don't want that tension to develop and the reader's hopes end up unfulfilled, it's probably best to establish a clear reason why it isn't romantic and never will become one. There are numerous non-cheesy ways to say that someone loves someone like a sibling.

Secondly, in your question you state "not something they've ever considered," when perhaps that is part of the problem you're running into. The "romantic feelings haven't ever been considered" scenario is actually at the root of numerous love stories: "when X pauses to truly consider his feelings for Y for the first time, he finally realizes his love for her." It's almost a trope.

But if instead they have considered it, and then come to a clear conclusion that they have no romantic interests for a good reason, it is going to be more plausible that a romance isn't likely to develop. Then readers will be less tempted to draw romantic tension into it.

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