Love the question and would like to share my recent experience with this.

I am described by my friends as a being a corageously strong woman, however recently I lost a very dear friend, suddenly, unexpectedly and with my grief I haven’t felt string or courageous, rather weak and vulnerable. During this time I have found my self confused by an attraction to another friend of mine, confused not because she is female (I have had relationships with both sexes) but confused because she is not a person I would have ever thought I would be attracted too (for many reasons)…Being the analyst I am I spent some time with myself breaking it down to better understand what was happening. I came to the conclusion that my attraction was more of an emotional thing and a longing to feel love and affection. I, like many have struggled with allowing myself to be vulnerable, and trusting people. My friend who I am attracted to makes me feel safe, she is strong and courageous and I want to feel those things from her, I am drawn to her because of those things. I don’t want a relationship with her, I don’t see that happening for us. I don’t want to have sex with her but I do want to share a deep connection and be affectionate and intimate with her.

Personally I feel that if two people have the ability to openly honestly communicate their feelings that platonic intimacy is possible. For me I have been very careful as I want to ensure there is mutual understanding, because I myself am clear on what it is for me. My friend agrees and reciprocates the attraction but we are yet to discuss it in more detail. In saying that we did recently spend a night together, cuddling naked (no sex) and it was beautiful and fulfilling.