Platonic intimacy and unexpected connection: An alternative Valentine’s Day on Feeld

Feeld is a place to forge intimacies of all kinds. And while Valentine’s Day might have wound up being synonymous with those of a romantic ilk, are they really all we should be celebrating? Spare a moment for the platonic connections, and the—dare we say—random, the bizarre, the unexpected. 

Anecdotally, we’ve heard stories from Feeld members who set out to search for one type of connection, only to find their chemistry evolving into something more platonic—or practical. Perhaps you’ve found a lifelong best friend, someone you’re dying to set up with your colleague, or maybe a roommate, bandmate, cat sitter, or a person to do your taxes. Hey, Zillow is rough, and Monzo Pots are rougher.

If friendship is something you’re intentionally seeking, you can tag it as a desire on your profile, and filter for others who are seeking the same. If it’s not, perhaps you’re still open to the joy found in friendships made along the way.

We asked members to share their stories of alternative connections made on Feeld—from the functional to the fulfilling. 

Your discoveries may surprise you…

What kinds of platonic connections have you made on Feeld? Who has become part of your life in an unexpected way?

“I met my chiropractor on Feeld. Now I get free adjustments!”—anon. 

“I met my best friend on Feeld. He is a gay man and a couple years ago he began questioning if he might have some attraction to women. He made a Feeld profile describing himself as ‘homoflexible’ and I said, ‘heck yes, I will be your experiment.’ The opportunity to be the representative for all womankind to a beautiful Adonis was alluring. We went on several great dates, kissed passionately, and on our last date planned to go back to his place and get frisky. We were kissing in the park and I could tell something was off, so I asked him, ‘what are you feeling?’ He responded, with his best crispy vocal fry, ‘I'm feeling really gay.’ We headed out for rosé and great talks, and a dear friendship was born. Now my husband and I go on couples' weekends with him and his boyfriend.”—Sara, 37, queer woman.

“I met a really lovely soul who is in a poly marriage. After one date, we ended up going back to mine to cook dinner together—which ended in a sexy [time] in my bed. But over the years, we have eased into something easy and more platonic, and he is now a very dear friend whom I adore and trust. In fact, we went on holiday this summer sailing for a week around Sardinia and Corsica—where we shared duties of cooking on the sailboat for the crew. A relationship started by Feeld, forged in the kitchen.”—Kim, 33, bisexual, female.

“I met a guy on Feeld, but decided to become friends after the first date. He later introduced me to another woman he used to date and she's become one of my closest friends. Perhaps my best set up ever!”—Jill, 58, female.

Lucila Taba

“Years ago, I met one of my best friends on Feeld! We started out by going on a couple dates, but soon realized that we had more friendship vibes than romantic chemistry per se. And the transition to friends was fairly natural. We live further apart now, but we text almost every day, listen to each other’s long ass voice notes, and are just generally super supportive cheerleaders for each other. These days, whenever dating feels hard or frustrating, I think about how I met this friend on Feeld and how he might be the best thing to come out of dating apps!”—Meredith, 37, heteroflexible, female.

“My wife and I met [a person who] we lovingly call ‘our girlfriend’ on Feeld, and yes, it's completely platonic. She's our go-to buddy for concerts or Broadway shows and is the best! Sometimes, when it's just me and my wife going out, we can accidentally slip into boring talk of household logistics or kid schedules. But when we're out with her? Holy shit. She's a rock-star musician (literally), knows all the people and happenings, and is pure energy. The three of us always have the best time laughing, dancing, and enjoying the moment.”—Jordan, 42, bisexual, male. 

“I made a platonic friend. We have a good connection, but I didn’t feel the physical connection and I don’t think we’re sexually compatible. We actually never met in person, but we talk daily and share each other's dating stories.”—anon, 30, heteroflexible woman. 

“I met up with a couple on Feeld and (among other things) ended up spending half the night watching reality TV on their couch. We haven’t been intimate since, but we still message regularly to exchange travel recommendations and life updates.”—anon, 29, heteroflexible woman. 

Curious about the full spectrum of connection waiting for you? Discover more lovers, friends, or something beyond, on Feeld.