In the dating world these days, a new kind of relationship has rapidly emerged: “situationship.” These are such relationships which appear romantic on the surface, but there is no clear commitment in them. Even though these relationships may seem good in the beginning, gradually they become mentally tiring. According to counseling psychologist Divya Mohindru, such relationships leave people confused, insecure and emotionally stressed.
What is the difference between situationship and committed relationship?
The biggest difference between situationship and a committed relationship is clarity. Situationship often has no fixed name; Instead, you get vague answers like, “We’re just talking.” There are mixed signals in this relationship—sometimes there is extreme closeness, and sometimes there is sudden distance. There is no planning for the future nor is equal effort made from both sides. Often, there is a lot of physical closeness, but the emotional connection is weak. In contrast, a committed relationship is characterized by clarity, trust, balance, and a shared direction for the future. Often, the other person avoids direct commitment, but keeps you emotionally tied to him/her with his/her words. This can include messages like, “Let’s see how things go,” “Let’s hang out sometime this weekend,” or “I’m missing you…”—phrases that keep you hopeful, but never clarify the status of the relationship.
How do you recognize the status of your relationship?
If you’re unsure whether you’re in this type of relationship, ask yourself some important questions: Do you feel a lack of clarity about whether you and your partner are meant for each other? Are meeting plans always made at the last minute? Have months gone by and you haven’t met their friends? Do they call you “babe” but never “girlfriend”? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’, then it is very likely that you are in a situation.
“junk food” effect
The effects of such relationships become apparent gradually. It’s like eating junk food: it feels good in the moment, but in the end it doesn’t provide true satisfaction. You’re always in a limbo—a relationship that *almost* feels like love, and *almost* like commitment. Due to the constantly changing signals, you become even more confused, and this situation gradually starts weakening your self-confidence. In such relationships, usually one person becomes very emotionally involved, while the other person maintains a certain distance. The person who wants stability in the relationship lives in the hope that the relationship will progress; On the other hand, the other person continues to get his or her own needs met without being completely tied down. This imbalance promotes stress and insecurity. As a result, it becomes necessary to set some boundaries in the relationship. It’s important to be open about the relationship, not move forward until a firm commitment is made, and to be mindful of your priorities. If the other person does not give you any clarity, then this is an answer in itself.
