Situationship vs Dating
Are you currently dating someone and wondering if it’s just a situationship or the beginning of a real relationship?
Well, understanding the difference between these two types of relationships can help you avoid a lot of confusion and heartbreak.
To help you make better decisions, and determine who to date and how to approach your romantic life, I’m exploring the topic of situationship vs dating.
So, if you noticed red flags that indicate that you are in a situationship, then this will help you understand why this is in fact not a traditional dating relationship.
What is a Situationship?
When it comes to love and relationships, things can get complicated pretty quickly.
And one of the most confusing aspects of modern dating is the concept of a “situationship.”
But is a situationship considered dating? The answer is not so straightforward. A situationship is an undefined romantic relationship with no commitment.
It is often based on convenience or short-term circumstances. However, that doesn’t mean a situationship can’t have some or even all of the elements of a more serious relationship.
But there are some key differences to keep in mind.
Is a Situationship Considered Dating?
Is a situationship considered dating? No! While there are some similarities between the two, a situationship lacks the clarity and the emotional investment that come with traditional dating.
There are no clear expectations or boundaries.
You may be spending time together, going on dates, and even having intercourse, but there’s no label on the relationship. This can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration, as you may not know where you stand with the other person.
Another key difference between a situationship and dating is the level of emotional investment.
In non-committal relationships, you and your booty call are often hesitant to fully commit emotionally, as there’s no clear communication of where the relationship is headed.
This can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, as you may be unsure if the other person feels the same way about you.
If you’re looking for a committed, long-term relationship, then this is not the best option for you and you might need to end the situationship before it’s too late.
However, if you’re okay with a more casual relationship, a situationship may be just what you’re looking for.
Is a Situationship Better Than a Relationship?
Whether a situationship is better than a relationship or not depends on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a romantic connection.
Do you prefer a relationship where both of you agree to be exclusive and committed to each other? Or do like a situationship, which is a more casual and undefined relationship that may or may not involve exclusivity?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Flexibility
One of the only benefits of a situationship is that it allows for more flexibility than a traditional relationship. You don’t have to worry about checking in with your partner every day or making plans weeks in advance. This can be a good option if you value your independence.
2. No Commitment
On the other hand, a situationship does not provide the same level of commitment that a healthy relationship offers. In an open relationship, the other person might not be there for you through thick and thin.
3. Lack of Communication
Another factor to consider is communication. In a situationship, there may not be as much communication as there would be in a relationship.
This can be a good thing if you prefer a more laid-back approach and casual dating, but it can also lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
4. Emotional Connection
Finally, a situationship does not provide the deep emotional connection that an intimate relationship can offer. If you are looking for someone to share your deepest thoughts and feelings with, a situationship is not for you.
Ultimately, whether a situationship or a relationship is better depends on you and what you want out of your dating life. Just remember to be honest with yourself and your partner, so that you don’t sign up for something you can’t handle.
How Do You Tell if it is a Situationship?
Because of the lack of clarity, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if you’re in a situationship or a dating relationship. Here are some signs that you may be in a situationship:
- Lack of consistency: In a situationship, there is a lack of consistency. You may spend time together, but date nights are often planned spontaneously and you don’t necessarily speak on the phone in between meetups.
- Undefined boundaries: In a situationship, there are usually no clear boundaries. You don’t know if you’re exclusive or if you’re free to see other people, which often results in a lot of confusion and heartbreak.
- No future plans: In a situationship, you don’t make future plans with each other. You don’t plan vacations or talk about your future together like traditional romantic partners do.
These are only three of the many signs of a situationship. If you are experiencing any of them but want more from your romantic interest, then it may be time to have a conversation with him.
Can a Situationship Become a Relationship?
If you’re in a situationship and wondering if it can evolve into a more committed relationship, the answer is yes. I have experienced it before and written about it a lot.
However, it’s important to understand that not all situationships turn into relationships. Here are a few things to consider:
Communication is Key
The first step in transitioning from a situationship to a relationship is to have an open and honest conversation with your situationship partner.
It’s important to discuss your feelings and expectations for the future of your relationship.
If you’re both on the same page and want to move forward, then you can start taking steps toward building a more committed relationship.
Define Your Relationship
Once you identify whether you are on the same page or not, it’s time to exit the gray area and put a label on it.
One of the biggest differences between a situationship and a relationship is that relationships are defined.
This means that you and he need to agree to be exclusive and committed to each other and discuss the terms and expectations you both have for each other.
Take it Slow
Lastly, it’s important to take things slow when transitioning from a situationship to a relationship.
Just because you have been having casual intercourse for a while, doesn’t mean you are a good fit in real life.
So avoid rushing into things that can put unnecessary pressure on both of you and may cause the relationship to fail. Take the time to get to know each other better as partners and build a strong foundation for your relationship.
In summary, a situationship can turn into a relationship but be prepared for the possibility of rejection.
If he isn’t interested in taking things to the next level, it’s important to respect his decision and move forward with your life.
Not all situationships will turn into relationships. And if that’s the case, you have to go back to the dating apps and swipe until you find someone that reciprocates your romantic feelings.