I love you, man

    The relationship between Antonio and Bassanio is undeniably passionate but one that remains heterosexual. It is obvious that their affection is mutual, Antonio without question is willing to lend his friend a large some of money even with his finances in jeopardy , "Within the eye of honor, be assured, my purse, my person, my extremest means, lie all unlocked to your occasions" (I.i.8). Bassanio in return is eager to reimburse his friend "To you, Antonio, I owe the most, in money and in love and from your love I have a warranty[...]to get clear of all the debts I owe. (1.1.4). It is stated in the play's opening lines that Antonio is troubled over a matter that is not the uncertainty of his ships. His friends with whom he shares the scene suggest that perhaps it is because he is in love, a proposition that he immediately dismisses. The implied love is theorized to be Antonio's potentially romantic interest in Bassanio, a love which will never be requited, thus the cause of Antonio's troubles.
   Antonio is not concerned that his love for Bassanio will never be reciprocated but that their relationship will falter now that Bassanio is perusing marriage to Portia, "Well, tell me now what lady is the same to whom you swore a secret pilgrimage, that you to-day promised to tell me of?" (I.i.7). Antonio fears that he will lose his valued friendship if he marries, because this is an expected reaction that continues to occur in modern times, it is not necessary to conclude it is because of homosexual feelings. In the end, it is because Antonio so highly respects Bassanio that he ultimately accepts Bassanio's marriage, "And with affection wondrous sensible, he wrung Bassanio's hand; and so they parted."(II.viii.5). If Antonio's love for Bassanio had been more than just a friendship, it is more likely that Antonio would have taken more extreme measures in the face of losing his love, similarly to Romeo and Juliet. Even Bassanio's wife Portia is not threatened by her husband's passionate friendship and  acknowledges their confidence, "This Antonio, being the bosom lover of my lord, must needs be like my lord. (III.iv.7).