So, what exactly is a situationship? Is it a good idea to go ahead with it? Which one to choose between situationship and relationship? In this article, we have answered all these questions and given a clear picture of non-committed relationships. Take a look! You must be wondering, “Isn’t that the same as being friends with benefits?” Well, when it comes to a situationship vs. friends with benefits, the difference lies in the fact that in the latter, the people involved have one strict policy, and that is not to develop any feelings for the other! In situationships, however, the boundaries are blurry, and romantic feelings are within reach. And that is where it gets tricky. Signs that you are in a situationship are quite apparent. For example, if you are seeing someone but are confused about the status of commitment between you, you might be stuck in a situationship. Head to the next section to know more about the signs that point towards a situationship.
10 Signs You Are In A Situationship
Here are a few signs to help you figure out if you are in a situationship:
1. It Is A Relationship Without Labels
Non-committal relationships are never defined, and it is one of the prime situationship rules. Sure, you hang out and hook up, but that’s about it. If you have been seeing the person for a while but have not had the DTR (defining the relationship) talk, you might be in a situationship.
2. You Are Not Consistent
Unlike the consistency of a relationship, where people meet more frequently over time, situationships are all about sporadic meetings. You may see each other regularly for a while and then not hear from them for weeks.
3. You Are Stuck
Relationships have milestones. From saying ‘I love you’ for the first time to celebrating anniversaries, the intimacy increases with time. You know their favorite café, and they know your favorite bookstore. However, in situationships, you are stuck in the same place. Walking away from a situationship may be the right thing if you are looking for something serious, but they are not.
4. You Are Not A Part Of Their Social Circle
When you spend time with them, it is just the two of you. Their friends and family do not know you exist, and you are practically single to your acquaintances. Neither of you has a date for important events like engagement or wedding, and you might even be seeing other people outside this little arrangement. At times, one of you may want something more, which is natural. If that is not the case for both parties, breaking up this situationship may be the best option.
5. You Are Anxious And Confused
While many people prefer situationships, it is normal to feel confused with the lack of direction it brings. You are supposed to be in it to enjoy yourself, and if it gives you anxiety, you are better off without it! No healthy relationship should stress you out. If they make you feel more anxious than secure, leaving a situationship is probably for the best.
6. Your Plans Are Last Minute
Unless you are in a long-distance situationship that requires planning, you do not make any plans before meeting them. In addition to not being with each other on important events, situationships also involve random texts that say, ‘You up?’ or ‘Can we meet?’ at odd hours. The absence of plans paired with ambiguous responses solidifies the fact that you are not exclusively dating.
7. Canceling Is Always On The Table
Here’s the situationship psychology: You can cancel on each other any time, no questions asked. You must understand that in a situationship, neither of you owes an explanation to the other. In a relationship, people always find an alternative to canceled plans. However, a situationship does not need it!
8. There Are No Dates
Sure, you meet each other often. However, you do not go on actual dates. While the usual dating process involves wooing each other, getting to know them, and taking time out for them, you skip all these steps in a situationship and are DTF from the beginning. Take our situationship advice; if you do not feel up for it, you can always consider breaking off a situationship.
9. You Don’t Feel The Need To Talk
You may know where the person stays, maybe even the food they are allergic to or if they prefer mountains to beaches, but that is pretty much it! You would rather talk dirty than open up to them about your feelings. If that is the case for both of you and you are content with it, congratulations! You are in a fabulous situationship.
10. You Are Not A Part Of Their Future
If your questions are more like, ‘Do you want to have pizza or pasta for dinner?’ instead of ‘Do you want to get married sometime in the future?’, you are in a situationship. If what you have is not permanent, why do you need to talk about it? When you are in a situationship, you do not picture your future with the other. Feelings are unpredictable, though. If you feel like you are falling for them and often imagine spending the future with them, you might want to talk about where you both stand. If you both feel commitment is the way forward, it is not difficult to turn a situationship into a relationship. Read on to know how to can achieve it.
Turning Situationship Into Relationship
Often, people prefer situationships to avoid the pressure of a relationship or simply because they are uncertain about what they feel about their partner. A relationship, as traditionally intended, involves taking responsibility. This is what makes a difference. Situationships are much more manageable just because of the lack of responsibility. Everyone feels free to act with no clear restrictions and limitations. In the end, it works as a sort of “limbo”. Upgrading a situationship to a relationship needs proper consideration. If you are catching feelings for your partner, it is time for you to sit and have the DTR talk. 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. Many a time, people moving from situationship to relationship find happiness in commitment. Have an honest conversation with each other and give your partner the time to think about what you said. You may feel anxious or even scared of losing what you have, but you must know that you deserve something you truly want. If you do not have a place in their future, it is better to focus on walking out of the situationship to avoid getting heartbroken. The next section discusses how you can keep your situationship going smoothly and when to contemplate hitting the breaks on it.
How To Deal With A Situationship
If you are okay with the current arrangement, it is fine. However, if you want something more, be clear about your feelings. We sometimes push our own needs aside to satisfy the other or maybe because we think they might change. Life is not a fairytale, and it is okay to consider how to fall back from a situationship if your wishes remain unfulfilled. In the end, it is your decision! If you realize that you want different things, you should step out of the situationship before it gets toxic. You can talk to them in person, end things over a call, or drop a text. However, healing from a situationship may take time owing to the unresolved feelings you may harbor. It is crucial to understand how to move on from a situationship, especially if you were the one who wanted something more. Look at the situationship as a learning experience and be careful before agreeing to something similar again. How long should you be in a situationship? There is no defined timeline for a situationship. However, if the situationship becomes toxic and is not mutually beneficial anymore, then it is time you talk to the person and say your goodbyes. Is a situationship toxic? It does not necessarily have to be toxic. If both people are on the same page regarding the situationship, then it is fine. If the situationship leaves you confused, anxious, and changes you as a person, you might be in a toxic situationship. Why do situationships hurt more? Situationships are tricky and can result in feelings developing for the person. Even though it is not a full-fledged relationship, it can feel like one. When the situationship does not serve both people anymore and results in goodbyes, it is natural to feel really hurt and sad.
