It's emotionally connected, but without commitment or future planning. The labels “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” don't really apply, but it's way beyond a casual hookup. It includes going on dates, having sex, and building intimacy without a clear objective in mind. Enter “situationship.”
Less than a relationship, but more than a casual encounter or booty call, a situationship refers to a romantic relationship that is, and remains, undefined. "A situationship is that space between a committed relationship and something that is more than a friendship," explains psychotherapist and author Jonathan Alpert.
“It's basically casual dating in which there's no firm commitment from either side.” These are tough situations to be in because one person usually longs for commitment while the other isn't ready or willing to give it to them just yet. The good news is, you can turn a situationship into a real relationship.
Even though it is highly likely that one of you is way ahead with their feelings than the other in which case getting over a situationship is the only option falling in love in a situationship is not unheard of.
How long do situationships last? It depends on the two people involved, but you know you're in a situationship when you have been in this setup for more than six months. While it is common to test the waters before committing, staying too long in a situationship does not look promising.
But a situationship ending can be a brutal experience. Sure, commitment may not be present, but you can't take away the pain from a situationship breakup. It hurts just as much as normal breakups do. In some cases, even more.
“Because situationships are often more casual than traditional relationships”, she says, “there may not be as much support from friends and family during the breakup.” It can make a lonely, difficult time even tougher; not exactly the dream conditions under which to heal healthily.
You never know when you're going to see them
Unlike being in a relationship where you might have set dates and plans, a situationship is spontaneous and lacks consistency. You might see a person many times one week and then not see them again for a few weeks.
While it may share some similarities with a friends-with-benefits relationship, the two terms do not mean the same thing. A friends-with-benefits relationship is when friends engage in casual sex without taking on the commitment aspect of a relationship. A situationship, on the other hand, lacks a formal label.
According to psychologist Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, people are in a situationship when they “act as though they are dating but do not commit to each other.” The main draw is that situationships "allow people to experience the benefits of both a relationship and being single.”
It's a red flag if they force you to prolong the situationship after months of dating. It's a red flag if they disregard your feelings about the situationship. It's a red flag if they make you feel bad for wanting more from the relationship after countless dates.
If you can't keep your hands off of each other and often get mistaken as a couple, you could be unofficially dating. Additional signs include talking about each other like you're already a couple, using pet names, and including each other in future plans.
That's where the so-called “three-date rule” came in — a guideline that says you should go on three dates before sleeping with a new love interest. It's unclear where or how the rule, which was later popularized by “Sex And The City,” originated.
Does dating exclusively mean you're in a relationship? While the concept can be confusing, dating exclusively doesn't necessarily mean that you're in a relationship, and for some singles, the low-key nature of being with someone without really being with them is exactly what they're looking for.
A situationship is an undefined or non-committal relationship—almost resembling a regular romantic relationship, but not quite. Typically, one partner in a situationship is content with the arrangement while the other hopes it will turn into something more.
Be honest, clear, and compassionate while expressing your decision to end the situationship. Avoid blaming or criticising the other person, and focus on your own emotions and needs. After expressing your decision to end the situationship, it's essential to establish clear boundaries.
This means you don't interact on social media, you don't text or call them, and definitely no FaceTime. While some people believe following the no-contact rule will help them win their situationship over, this is not the case. No contact is to help you move forward and nothing else.
Situationship is another the current term for 'hanging out' or when two people who are exploring a 'thing'. It's considered a casual relationship without a label. Relationships in contrast, usually start out serious because two people have strong feelings for one another.
5. Keep Firm Boundaries. You can and should set boundaries in any relationship. If both parties agree on the situationship, they should also agree on those boundaries.
Situationships lack clear labels, boundaries, and commitments. They often involve emotional and physical intimacy and spending time together although partners may not define their relationship or set clear expectations.
Less Pressure and Commitment
Men who are not ready for a committed relationship may prefer situationships due to past trauma or bad experiences in their previous relationships. Situationship relationships offer less pressure, less commitment, and more freedom.