The Hidden Advantages of Situationships, Are You Missing Out?

Photo byEnvato Elements Purchased Image License MRESGKD5HF

Are You In A Situationship or A Relationship?

Have you heard of the latest term situationship? It is an upgraded friends with benefits, but not a fully committed relationship. If one person says they like you, but they want to keep it light--it is a situationship. There are pros and cons to a situationship. It can lead to a deeper commitment, but that depends on the two people involved. Sometimes, it is implied you can see other people, and sometimes, it is exclusive. There are really no rules or boundaries in situationships.

Situationships are similar to old-fashioned dating. People used to date multiple people. Now, everyone seems to commit to one person, and it is frowned upon to date multiple people. As long as you are just going to dinner and there is no physical intimacy involved, I see no harm before the boundaries of a relationship have been set.

Why The Lack of Full Committment?

One or both people may prefer to keep it light for several reasons. They may be overwhelmed with work commitments and feel they do not have the time to commit to a relationship. They may have just exited a serious relationship. They may be planning a move but are interested enough that they want to get to know the person and see where it leads. Situationships allow for emotional, romantic, and physical intimacy without commitment or defining boundaries, offering a sense of freedom.

People with insecure attachment styles are comfortable in situational relationships because they do not have the fear of rejection or abandonment in a more casual relationship. This allows for more freedom for exploration and getting to know one another. Sometimes, it leads to a deeper connection and other times, it ends.

As with most relationships, there are pro's and con's with situationships.

Pro's

• Freedom
• Attention
• Getting to know each other
• Excitement/ thrill
• No pressure
• Emotional connection
• Low responsibility
• Open door to exit
• Romance/ intimacy

Con's

• Leaves you vulnerable
• Lack of commitment
• Inability to make future plans
• Less likely to engage in group activity with friends and family
• Risk of heartbreak/ attachment

Final Thoughts

As long as both people agree to keep it light and understand that they are not in a defined, committed relationship, a situationship can be very fun and romantic. It can even feel loving and supportive, but in most cases, the coveted words "I love you" will not be used, but it allows time to explore and find out if those feelings are there. It is essential to let go of expectations.

Can a situationship transition into a more serious relationship? Absolutely, it's within your power. It depends on the two individuals. Be honest with yourself and communicate openly with each other when it feels right to have that conversation. At some point, you may face frustrations, and a situationship may start to feel limited rather than exciting, but remember, with open communication and self-awareness, you hold the key to transition in whichever direction.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please comment and tell me what you think of this style of dating. Keep shining and sharing your magic.

Peace & Light,

Libby