Navigating the world of dating, can be difficult, no matter if you’re recently single or a serial dater. Modern dating trends come and go, however, a reference to non-committal relationships is still more popular than ever; ‘situationship’. This term is defined as a relationship which crosses the line of friendship into romance but lacks clear definitions and commitments, and many people met people for these purposes in sites like backpage2 online.
Unlike conventional relationships, situationships can leave individuals feeling uncertain about where they stand with their partner, especially if they want something long-term. With searches for ‘what is a situationship relationship’, up by 800% in the past 12 months, many are unsure if they have unwittingly entered one.
To help you decide whether you are in a situationship, we have worked with relationship expert and founder of Chapter2, Nicky Wake, to share with you the 7 signs you should spot, and how to decide if it’s the right path for you.
Undefined labels
One of the primary indicators of a situationship is the absence of clear labels. Unlike committed relationships, where a partner defines their status as official or ‘off the market’, non-committal relationships lack definition.
Conversations about the future
In healthy relationships, partners will discuss the future together such as booking holidays or celebrating milestones. In a situationship, discussion about future events is notably absent. If conversations about long-term goals, such as meeting their social circle, are met with discomfort, awkwardness, and a shift in topics, without genuine reason, it could be a sign that your connection isn’t long-term but situational.
Last-minute plans
Everyone gets busy in their daily lives, but when you’re dating someone, you should be able to book time to see them. If you’re finding it hard to plan dates with your partner, and instead confirm only a day or a few hours before, you might be low on their priority list.
Inconsistency
Situationships lack consistency, which can leave you feeling anxious, and unhappy. Effective communication is the backbone of any successful relationship. If your interactions are confined to sporadic texts or one-off meetups without meaningful conversations about emotions, you might be in a situationship.
Limited emotional support
Mutual emotional support is key to building a firm foundation together. This is especially important if you’re new to dating due to the loss of a partner. You need to look for someone who can help you navigate life’s challenges and be each other’s emotional anchor. If your partner is not compelled to provide the level of emotional support found in committed connections, it might be time to take a step back.
There’s always an excuse
If you really like someone, you want to make time for them. In a situationship, you might hear frequent excuses in response to arranging meet-ups. This can cause upset and knock your self-esteem. Try to talk to your partner about your feelings towards this, and their response will help you decide if the situation is right for you.
Lack of reassurance
You don’t need reassurance each day, but every now and then, it’s nice to hear how someone feels about you and the relationship you have built. When communicating any concerns, your partner should reassure you of their feelings. If you leave the conversation feeling more confused than before, chances are you’re in a one side situationship.
Nicky further shares her expertise on how to decide if a situationship is right for you:
“Determining whether a situationship is right for you involves a careful evaluation of your own values, needs, and long-term goals. Reflect on your own expectations and desires from a relationship in your current period of life, considering past experiences. If you are comfortable with ambiguity and enjoy the freedom that comes with an undefined connection, a situationship might align with your preferences. However, if you value clarity, defined roles, and long-term commitment, a traditional relationship may be a better fit.”
