A while back, someone said something about people saying "I love you platonically". I've done it a few times before, so I ended up trying to figure out why we say it.

And I think I've cracked the code. Personally, at least.

With family, it's easier to say "I love you" normally since no one will bat an eye or do a double take if you tell your mom you love her.

But with friends, it's different. You see, with the rise of the internet- and lots of people who take things the wrong way... It becomes a defensive mechanism to clarify your love for your friend is "platonic". Otherwise, you could have people teasing you- and that internal fear builds up. So it sort of becomes a habit to clarify your love is platonic.

Essentially, "I love you platonically" is the "No homo" of I love you's. We don't want any rumors starting, so we build up the habit and hope for the best. But sometimes, you just wanna express your love for your friends... And, unfortunately, shippers are insane, so you feel inclined to clarify that it's platonic.

Or, at least, that's the way I see it.

Not sure if it makes sense to anyone but me though, haha.