Before we dive into ‘how to deal with situationships’, let’s understand what situationships are (quite paradoxical, I’m aware). While the very foundation of a situationship is obscurity, Google defines it as ‘a romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established.’ In other words, it's like trying to define what's going on between you and someone else, but it's as clear as mud; an escape from commitments if you will. 

According to TIME magazine, Carina Hsieh coined the term "situationship" in 2017, defining it as "a hookup with emotional benefits". The term is a combination of "situation" and "relationship", and often refers to a complex situation where two people are in something that resembles a romantic relationship but remains undefined. Much like the Schrodinger’s cat. A relationship that's there, but not at the same time. A Schrodinger’s relationship!

Situationships are ideally those grey areas between a friendship and a full-blown relationship. They’re all about that undefined vibe. You're not exactly dating, but you're not just friends either. You're somewhere in that awkward in-between zone where labels are a big no-no. You're hanging out, maybe hooking up, but there's no official title or commitment to it. 

As the Bollywood actor and singer Ayushman Khurana put it, “Raaste khubsurat hai tumhare sath, manzil ki filhaal baat nahi karte.” Which translates to, ‘The roads are beautiful with you, let’s not talk about the destination for now.’ 

Social media plays a huge role too in our day and age. You're not official, but you're still low-key stalking each other's Instagram stories and dropping subtle hints in DMs. It's like, you're keeping tabs on each other without actually admitting you care. Plus, there's the whole "Do I post a pic together or nah?" dilemma.

But hey, situationships aren't all bad. They can be fun, spontaneous, and drama-free (debatable). You get all the perks of a relationship without the pressure of commitment. It's like having your cake and eating it too! But at the same time, situationships can leave you feeling kind of lost. Where do you stand? Are you just a placeholder until something better comes along? Is any of this real? Does the other person even like you? It's easy to catch feelings and end up hurt when expectations aren't clear.

So here are a few gen-z approved tips and tricks to keep in mind when you find yourself at sea with situationships:

1. Be Honest with Yourself: Acknowledge your feelings and expectations. Are you okay with keeping things casual, or do you want something more serious? Being honest with yourself is the first step to navigating a situationship.
2.  Set Boundaries: Define what you're comfortable with and communicate it clearly. Whether it's      about communication frequency, exclusivity, or future plans, setting boundaries can help prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
3. Communication is Key (Sort of): While Gen Z might shy away from those serious "Define the Relationship" talks; which is a serious generational defect - but that makes up for a whole different blog altogether - it's still important to communicate openly. Check-in with each other periodically to make sure you're both on the same page.
4. Don't Assume: Avoid making assumptions about where the situationship is headed. Just because you spend a lot of time together or have a strong connection doesn't necessarily mean it'll evolve into a full-blown relationship.
5. Focus on Yourself: Instead of obsessing over where the situationship is going, focus on your own happiness and growth. Pursue your passions, hang out with friends, and invest in self-care. Remember, your worth isn't defined by your relationship status.
6. Be Prepared for Change: Ending a situation hurts more than ending an actual relationship for some reason but understand that situationships can evolve over time. They honestly will. Situationships don’t stay situationships for too long. They might progress into something more serious, or they could fizzle out completely. Stay open to whatever happens and be prepared to adapt.
7. Know When to Walk Away: If the situationship starts to feel one-sided or emotionally draining, it might be time to reevaluate. Don’t get too attached and don't be afraid to walk away if it's no longer serving you or if your needs aren't being met.
8. Practice Self-Love: Regardless of the outcome, remember to love and respect yourself throughout the process. Don't settle for less than you deserve, and don't base your self-worth on the status of your situationship.

Ultimately, situationships are just another part of the Gen Z dating scene. We're all about keeping things casual, avoiding labels, and living in the moment. So, if you find yourself in a situationship, just roll with it and enjoy the ride. Who knows, maybe it'll turn into something more... or not. Guess we'll just have to wait and see cause navigating a situationship is all about finding a balance between enjoying the present moment and being mindful of your own needs and boundaries. Keep it real, stay true to yourself, and remember that you're worthy of love and respect, whether you're in a relationship or flying solo.

 

Posted 6 months ago