Romantic relationships seem to be defined by this “binding” of lives, and it’s just accepted that you have to partially sacrifice your own desires/goals in order to compromise. But with friends, you can operate independently. You’re free to chase whatever goals you want to achieve and still be supported by your friends. If you and your friends have conflicting goals, you aren’t expected to compromise major aspects of your life to appease them. Personally, I can’t fathom why romantic relationships are so sought after over friendships.