What is the difference between love and limerence?

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I’ve never treated anybody “like a muse.”

I treat the genders equally, for the most part. I don’t curse like a sailor—but I don’t mince words too much. I know what not to say to women that I might say to a man.

Women think I’m so trustworthy that they talk about “feminine” things with me.

In the past, I was often the “good cop” in “good cop/bad cop” sorts of situations. That annoyed me a bit...but not enough not to be a decent friend to women who had abusive relationships.

Any form of “beyond friends” sorts of situations has an element of sexual attraction. Sometimes, it is subtle; other times, it’s intense.

I don't think subtle or intense sexual attraction needs to be part of "beyond friends". Love and romance can exist without sex. Some people are asexual and they don't have sexual attraction, and some people aren't physically or emotionally capable of sex, but they like or love the person for their personality, morality, intelligence, or other traits. Some relationships and marriages are entirely asexual even if they are romantic ... not just on a friendship level.
I thought you started this topic by saying that you have had feelings of limerence and that it is literary because you create or use muses based on real life women to inspire your poetry? Sorry maybe it was someone else.

What are "feminine things" that people talk about by the way?

I know that. I feel like you don’t get me too well.

I’m into “moral love” which isn’t sexual. There are many types of love that aren’t sexual.

I know there’s romance without sex. I don’t have a one-tracked mind.

There is sexual attraction without actual sex. I know that, too.

I’ve experienced romance without sex many times. There was attraction, though, at least on my part. I would have waited for marriage if my lover wanted to wait for marriage.

I am well aware of the asexuality spectrum. I respect it.

An example of something “feminine” is “that time of the month” and the attendant irritations. One cannot deny that many women don’t like discussing this with men.

Why do I feel you don’t like me? I’m not perfect...but I‘m not all that lousy

Many literary people have used idealized and non-idealized muses to inspire them. It’s basically a “given.”

I’ve never had somebody use me as a muse—but I wouldn’t have minded if that happened. The burden is on the muser—not the “musee.” Though it might have upset me had the expectations of my lover (towards me) were not realized were I used as a muse by her.

I could be wrong, but I think kitten does like you. I think she is just talking about the topic and both of you are trying to understand the other.

Kortie, you are a wonderful person. I really respect you ability to look at complex issues and distill them into something clear. You have many dimensions that aren't always apparent. I have enjoyed reading this conversation.

I think you’re right, BlazingStar.

The best kind of wise, in many situations, is Quaker-wise.

Not a skerrick of "Platonic Love", in the conversation on this page.
Isn't *THAT* love without a sexual context?

How can you have *romantic* love without a sexual component?
I'm sure Romeo and Juliet had a bit of "slap and tickle" behind the stage curtains.

I stated earlier that there’s many different sorts of non-sexual love.

Non-sexual love between unrelated (biologically or via adoption) people, in many cases, fits the definition of Platonic love.

I guess my implied context was too specific.
I was referring to a love between two unrelated adults. (E.G. Romeo and Juliet)

Having said that, where is the word "platonic" mentioned on this page?

No....it wasn’t mentioned specifically as “Platonic.”

I think there is a dichotomy between a relationship based on limerence and platonic "love".
Everything I have read, so far, suggests the former has to have a sexual component to it and involves a fantasy element.

And, limerence generally seems to imply a one-sided relationship, initially, though I have also read that it can be simultaneous, as well.

Interesting topic, this love stuff.