7 signs you are in a “situationship”, not relationship
When you’re in the early stages of getting to know another person, or sleeping with someone, it can be difficult to know what your exact relationship is. Are you not so serious but on the way to becoming more dedicated? Are you in a friends with benefits situation where you have both agreed to put aside your feelings? Or are you in a kind of limbo that’s got you a bit confused? If you are confused about your relationship status to another person, you might be in a situation situation. A situational relationship is basically an undefined romantic relationship. Unlike a friends with benefits situation, there may be feelings involved in a situationship, but the terms of the relationship and the end goal of the relationship are not defined.
It’s important to know the signs of a situationism so that you can recognize if you are in one sooner rather than later. Understanding your status as a situational state can help you avoid investing too many emotions into the connection.
What is a situationship?
A situationship is a term for the stage of a relationship where the partners are neither seriously in love with each other nor simply dating, says Dr. Kalpna Kohli. It is a relationship between two people who are not officially in a romantic relationship, yet have feelings for each other. This kind of relationship involves emotional connection without formal labels.
Situationship and mental health
A person’s mental health is affected by all the relationships in his life. A situationship has both positive and negative sides like any potential relationship.
Being in a situational condition can allow you the freedom to keep seeing the person you want to, but without having to make any serious promises and commitments. It can also serve as an in-between fun stage, where a couple can be free of any responsibilities towards each other and have the space and time to think about the future without any pressure. When things are going in a positive direction of exploration, a person’s mental health also remains in this positive spectrum allowing them to have proper balance in life without feeling much pressure and being in a contented state of mind.
There are some common signs that indicate you are in a situationship. Here are some of them:
- Uncertain relationship status
Being unsure of your relationship status is one of the most blatant indications of a situationism. Although they spend time together, are intimate with one another, and express their emotions to one another, neither party has formally classified their relationship as exclusive or committed. - Limited emotional bonding
While there may be some emotional closeness in a situational relationship, it is mostly less intense than in a committed one. Sharing more intense feelings or talking about the future together could cause reluctance or hesitation, notes an expert. - Insufficient time together
There may not be a regular pattern of meeting up, and arrangements may be made intermittently or at the last minute. - Lack of future plans
In a situational state, conversations concerning the future of the relationship can be unclear or avoided altogether. The parties concerned may be reluctant to form long term alliances or plans. - Minimal social interaction
Unlike in a formal partnership, friends and relatives may not recognize people in a situation as a pair. The couple might keep their relationship mostly hidden from others and refrain from any public displays of devotion. - No effort to define the relationship
In a situation, neither party usually makes any attempt to specify the nature of the connection or debate its future course. This uncertainty may cause both the parties involved to become frustrated and confused. - Avoiding major discussions
Discussing issues or disagreements about the relationship might be complex in a situation. Lack of commitment may cause people to feel uncomfortable discussing difficulties, which might result in unresolved issues.
If you find yourself in a situational situation, it is important to recognize these signs because they may affect your emotional well-being. Communication is essential if you want a more dedicated relationship.
