Does companionship have to be love?

Whether you’re 35, 65 or even 95, everyone craves emotional closeness and contact with someone that cares for us, someone that loves us. All of us have within us a vein of youth that never dies, which is why those of us that truly believe in love and companionship also believe it’s never too late. However, for many of us, particularly past the age of 60, seeking love or companionship is seen as a challenge, and entering (or re-entering) the dating world seems highly daunting. Seeking a “soulmate”? Possibly more difficult. 

While most people seek companionship, it isn’t necessary that every companionship has to be true love. Companionship is a deeper bond than friendship, and perhaps not necessarily as intimate as what is recognised to be a relationship. However, a companionship is sometimes a closeness or familiarity, a true fellowship among two people who, for whatever reasons, have truly connected. On the other hand, romantic love is when there is a deep intimacy shared between two people. So in effect, the two are not that different. 

In relationships, companionship would seem to be the basis for two people wanting to remain together, yet many are torn between the importance of companionship verse romantic or passionate love. If it’s done right, companionship can include passion as well. While two individuals in a companionship might find it difficult to make it work without an undercurrent of passion, the benefits are usually stronger than a romantic relationship. Most importantly, a companionship type of relationship lasts beyond the mundaneness of life and its associated hardships. People in companionships continue putting in effort, concern and time, whereas in romantic relationships, once the passion has cooled, individuals find it hard to give it their 100%.

Of course, on the other hand, there are those of us that believe that passion and romantic love is the driver of all successful relationships, and see a companionship as a compromise to what we truly deserve. No one says you’re wrong either. Everyone feels differently about what their ideal relationship would be, and the important thing to remember is that whichever route one decides on, you should just be willing to put in the work. Companionship can exist without love, and love can exist without true companionship. Whether you choose to seek out a soul companion or a soul mate is completely up to you, and as long as you put in the effort, it will be a success.

Have you found true love to be the basis of true companionship? Or can you have one without the other?