Relationships really started changing in the 70s. So what is a situationship and are you in one?

The dating world started changing in the 1970s with free love, open relationships and everything else. Unlike Europe, most American have been more prudish and defining on how people connect.  While more hard driving than their across the pond counterparts, Americans clam up when it comes to personal matters. Now a new thing has popped up, what is a situationship relationship and are you in one?

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The last 20 years have been a wild ride for dating. Online dating, open relationships, Ashley Madison, gay marriage, group dating in school, and more. At least on the coasts you can meet people who have broken up at least a couple of times with each gender.  Online dating has become the norm with over 17 percent of the population online dating services in 2023. Which means almost 60 million people are looking for something. Also, their is still a fear of being single which may be due in part to stigma of culture with people viewing single adults more negatively. As the become more of a melting pot, Indians, Asians and other cultures put big pressure on early traditional marriages. People who fear being single are more likely to settle for less in their relationship and trade one problem for another.

Situationships are characterized by a lack of obligation or exclusivity, but thel hallmark is a lack of clear boundaries or labels. There are elements of friendship and romance, but they exist without defining the relationship. So, essentially, you have many of the benefits of a traditional relationship without having to make a commitment. Friends know something is going on and you might spend key moments together, birthday, holidays, when one is sick. But it is not clearly defined.

Situationships provides a sense of connection experienced in a standard-issue relationship coupled with the the independence with being single. But the downside, since you are in a grey area, it makes it harder to move forward or call it over.  Ambiguity takes a toll on your mental health, especially when looking at the future.

Signs you may be in a situationship include:

• You don’t put a label on your relationship
• You don’t make long-term plans
• You aren’t exclusive

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Around 3 in 5 have been in this type of relationship at one point as it can fill needs of the moment.  But long term, it can take a toll on the chance for a more satisfying relationship.