All You Need to Know About Situationships
Living during a global pandemic had various effects on every generation. However, I believe GenZ was the most negatively impacted by the circumstances created by Covid-19. Being unable to go to school and converse with people in traditional contexts, negatively impacted GenZ’s social skill development, fueling social anxiety and negative self-confidence in social situations. Therefore this fear of rejection and embarrassment combined with the disposability of relationships created by dating app culture, has led GenZ to adopt a casual, fluid, disposable relationship in the extreme form. This is where situationships are born.
What even is a situationship?
Situationships are relationships that are more than friends but less than a committed relationship (i.e. girlfriend, boyfriend, partners, etc.). Essentially, they are romantic relationship without any clarity or labels. Situationships are often used as a form of cop-out when an individual wants the emotional and physical intimacy of a traditional relationship, but not the pressure of expectations that comes with that title. They typically have less defined boundaries than friends with benefits, because there is no clear line of certainty regarding emotional feelings. Similarly, situationships are often also exclusive, therefore meaning, you are not sleeping with or seeing other people. However, despite this boundary that is common in traditional relationships, due to the lack of labels, you are also technically still single. Therefore, allowing the pair to experience the benefits of being in a relationship while still being single.
Why are situationships popular?
Now, you might be asking why are situationships even popular? If you want the emotional and physical intimacy of a traditional relationship, why not be in one? GenZ has historically been a big fan of hookup culture, despite desiring the satisfaction and benefits of a traditional relationship. Growing up with dating apps has resulted in a requirement for short-term and immediate benefits in the dating scene. Therefore, treating dating apps as almost a game, because of the range of options at your finger tips. This has created a fear of commitment and inability to be satisfied amongst GenZ because of the extensive range of options at your disposal. The saying “there are plenty of fish in the sea,” rings unbelievably true regarding dating apps because there is always another option if something does not work out. However, on the negative side, this has created an inability to be satisfied amongst today’s youth because you might find something better on the next date. Therefore, GenZ has developed an inability and growing fear of commitment due to the potential possibility of something being better. Similarly, the active prevalence of hookup culture throughout GenZ has actually resulted in a dissatisfaction of it amongst today’s young adults. GenZ is looking for the benefits of a relationship but not the level of commitment it comes with. Therefore, they do not see any need to rush into a traditional relationship if the circumstance or situationship they are in at the moment is working out for them. Similarly, oftentimes for GenZ who are still figuring out their futures and exploring their sexualities, situationships are the best suited circumstance for them.
Negative Effects of Situationships and How to Avoid Them
However, it is important to recognize the potential negative effects of situationships. Oftentimes, in a situationship, one party has the upper hand, creating an unfair power dynamic between the pair. It is quite common for one party to be the bigger fan of the situationship and less emotionally invested, often resulting in being led on or emotional gaslighting of the more emotionally invested party. However, in order to avoid these scenarios, it is critical to set clear boundaries at the beginning of the relationships, voicing your own needs and expectations both physically and emotionally. Similarly, make sure that the words and actions of your partner are matching, because oftentimes in situationships, one party can be saying things solely to keep you around and not living up to their word. Finally, make sure to know your worth. Every individual deserves to be taken care of emotionally and sexually. Therefore, make sure you are getting exactly what you want and deserve out of the relationship, regardless of whether it is traditional, non-traditional, physical, emotional, or all of the above. At the end of the day, if you want to be in a situationship, more power to you!
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