Platonic Lesbian

In speaking to a friend of mine about how she spent 2004's new year, another one of my  thoughts started to take shape and develop until I thought it worthy to write about. 

Since I'm a very affectionate person, I've often wished I could gently approach the issue of affection with friends of mine.  The problem with being affectionate with men is that their ever-present thoughts of sex only grow in nature.  So my only other option is to be affectionate with women, but at the chance of being alienated, I've often chosen to let that unspoken measure of physical distance be my ally. 

When my friend told me that last year her New Year's kiss was with her best friend I wondered (like an ass) what kind of kiss it was.  It was just a surface smack, the kind I share with only some safe, selected friends of mine (male included, but no, I don't want to walk around kissing everyone on the lips).  I was so pleasently surprised to know that there are other women who can be affectionate with those they feel close to without any of the stigma that goes with it.

But going deeper into the subject, I have to admit that women are more beautiful to look at than men.  UGH.  Instinctively, heterosexual men (and women, on the most part) turn away at a provocative image of a naked man -- at least I do -- and not at those images where a man is in a casual setting (as in playing sports).  YET, why is it that when there's a picture of a naked woman I feel like I have to make myself stop looking??

I know I'm not a lesbian.  I know I'm a 100% certifiable "breeder", as does my husband, but why do I stare?  Why does I like the idea of holding hands with or cuddling with female friends not bother me in the least bit??

Is there such a thing as a platonic lesbian?