A situationship is a romantic relationship between two
people that is not defined. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of this
arrangement, as well as how to get out of one if you're unhappy.
What Is a Situationship?
A situationship is an uncommitted, undefined romantic
relationship between two people, which means that those involved have not
established what they are to each other. While it has some similarities to a
friendship with benefits, the two terms do not mean the same thing. A
friends-with-benefits relationship occurs when friends engage in casual sex
without committing to a relationship. A situationship, on the other hand, does
not have a formal name. A situationship can be temporary (for example, if
you've only been on a few dates with someone and it's too early to label the
relationship) or it can encompass the entire relationship.
5 Signs You're in a Situationship
There are several indicators that you may be in a
situationship, such as:
1. You deal with erratic behavior. Situationships are
characterized by inconsistency. You have no idea when you'll see or hear from
each other again.
2. You do not employ labels. Because situational
relationships lack definition by definition, you and your partner have most likely
not sat down to discuss whether you want to be in a serious relationship.
3. You don't have any long-term plans. Because there is
little progression in relationships, you may not discuss the future frequently
or at all.
4. You haven't made it unique. You and the other person
involved may be seeing other people because you haven't defined your
relationship.
5. You are emotionally disconnected. You probably don't have
deep discussions in a situationship. You may instead have a more physical or
surface-level connection rather than an emotional one.
Pros of Being in a Situationship
Being in a situationship isn't always a bad thing; it all
comes down to personal preference and what a healthy relationship means for you
at this point in your life. This arrangement has the following advantages:
Other people can be seen. You have the option of seeing
other people.
You are self-sufficient. Because you are not in a serious
relationship, you are only concerned with your own wants, needs, and schedule.
You are uncommitted. You can enjoy the other person's
company and be intimate with no strings attached.
Cons of Being in a Situationship
Situationships have a few drawbacks, including:
You may experience heartbreak. When one person develops
feelings in a relationship while the other does not, it can lead to conflict
and heartbreak.
You have to deal with ambiguity. Situationships can leave
you feeling unsure of your relationship status, which can be unsettling for
some.
You are unstable. Because you aren't in a committed
relationship, the other person isn't a consistent source of support, and you
probably don't make plans with them on a regular basis.
How to Get Out of a Situationship
If you find yourself in a situation you don't want to be in,
take the following steps to get out of it:
1. Assess your situation. The first step in getting out of a
situationship is determining whether you are in one. You could simply be in the
early stages of a new relationship in which you only need to communicate your
desires to your partner.
2. Recognize the source of your dissatisfaction. Consider
why you're unhappy if your relationship isn't progressing as you'd like. For
example, if you are in a purely physical relationship, you may want to look for
something more in the future. Outlining why the situation does not serve you
will help you avoid it in the future.
3. Determine your objectives. Determine whether you want to
be in a serious relationship with the other person or simply date them. Decide
what outcome you want and why, so you can tell your partner.
4. Interact with the other person. Tell them exactly what
you want and how they can help you. Be open and honest with them, and listen to
what they have to say.
5. Continue forward. If you end the situationship, move forward with confidence and consider how to avoid a similar situation in the future. You'll be able to communicate your requirements to potential partners more effectively now that you understand them.
6. Consult a relationship expert. If you find yourself in a cycle of undefined romantic relationships that are affecting your mental health, consider speaking with an expert or a relationship coach to help you break the cycle.
