Squish

A squish is usually a strong, non-romantic attraction to someone, similar to a crush but without romantic or sexual feelings. It typically involves a desire for friendship, emotional closeness, or shared experiences rather than a romantic relationship. The term is commonly used in asexual and aromantic communities to describe platonic attraction. For some people, having a squish feels a lot like a crush, but without romantic intent. There is still a strong desire for closeness, however, and the relationship may still involve physical affection like hugging, cuddling, and hand-holding. ### Squish vs. Crush A squish and a crush can feel similar, which is why people often confuse them. The difference usually comes down to intent and framing: - Squish: Wanting closeness without romance. - Crush: Wanting a romantic relationship. With a squish, people often: - Don’t want to date - Don’t imagine romantic milestones (dates, marriage, etc.) - Feel uncomfortable being seen as a couple Squishes are also often described as calmer and more secure, while crushes can feel more intense, nervous, or high-stakes.