Does anybody think that platonic relationships can detract from their current or future romantic arrangements?
YES! Once you hit the just friends mark many people "Don't want to risk their friendship." At least thats what happens to me.
You mean like friends getting in the way of a romance? or people not wanting to risk the friendship, like bornrunnin said? I can see the logic behind not wanting to wreck a friendship, especially a good one - but sometimes that friendship can be the perfect foundation for a great relationship.
Been there, done that, got my heart broken. I fell in love in 1977 with my best friend, who was also a housemate. We were both gay, but he had no interest in me at all beyond friendship. When I asked him why, he repeatedly refused to tell me. Two years later, he finally told me the truth: He simply wasn't erotically attracted to black guys, but he was afraid to tell me that, out of fear that I'd denounce him as a racist and end our friendship. He broke down and cried. "I'm so sorry. . ." Then I started crying. We then gave each other a long hug to comfort each other, tears streaming down our faces. -- Skeeter