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Celebrations of romantic love are everywhere in society. But what if friendships mattered more than finding a boyfriend or a girlfriend?

That is the claim made in a new book by American author Rhaina Cohen, about people who have made their best friend the central relationship in their life.

The friends in Cohen's book buy homes and raise children as a pair. In some cases, they care for one another when sick and dying.

Philosophers in ancient Greece used several words for love. Two of the most important types were eros, which is a passionate physical love, and philia, which is a loyal and respectful love.

People often think that eros is more profoundShowing a clear and deep understanding of serious matters. or lasting than philia. But, in the modern world, love between friends may be more stable than the romantic version.

According to statistics, 55% of Gen ZShort for Generation Z, meaning people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s. and MillennialsPeople who reached adulthood in the early 21st Century. say that friendship is more important than a romantic relationship.¹ At the same time, the percentage of people who have never been married or in a civil partnershipA legal union between two people who are not related. is rising in the UK, Europe and the US. Given that half of American marriages end in divorce,² friends are more likely to remain when lovers have gone.

However, some people think that this is putting too much pressure on friendships. A long-term romantic relationship comes with expectations that a friendship does not share. Also, marriage offers legal rights that do not exist in friendship. They include tax and inheritanceThe rules that determine how characteristics, like eye colour, are passed from parents to children. benefits, and the ability to make medical decisions on your partner's behalf.

Whatever a person's relationship status, having friends will make them happier and healthier. Research suggests that friendship is as important for your long-term health as diet and exercise.³ So, even if friends play a different role to romantic partners, none of us can live without them.

Is friendship better than romance?

Yes: Dating apps, divorce rates, heartbreak - no wonder people are staying single. If a friend can provide all the support of a partner, there is no need to be in a relationship.

No: Friends and lovers are two different things. Finding the right partner has always been hard, but that does not mean we should give up on romance completely.

Or... It is a mistake to think that different types of love are competing with one another. Good friends can encourage relationships when they start, and comfort us when they end.

Profound - Showing a clear and deep understanding of serious matters.

Gen Z - Short for Generation Z, meaning people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Millennials - People who reached adulthood in the early 21st Century.

Civil partnership - A legal union between two people who are not related.

Inheritance - The rules that determine how characteristics, like eye colour, are passed from parents to children.