How do you know if what you have is a situationship or relationship?
This article was written by The Line Creative Hub member Binusha P.
You might have heard of the term ‘situationship’ while scrolling on TikTok.
It’s a hot topic in our modern dating world, but it’s often misunderstood.
Especially when the line between what a situationship or relationship is can be blurred.
Or when you have to explain that the person you’re seeing is not exactly your partner, but not your friend either.
Whatever your situation, there can be a bit going on. So, let’s debunk some common situationship myths.
Myth 1: 'No Label Equals No Relationship
Defining the relationship (or DTR as referred to on the internet) is a pretty big step to take when you’re seeing someone.
In my own situationship I was comfortable with saying I was ‘seeing’ someone, but felt like I had to use the label ‘dating’ to be understood by friends and relatives.
Respectful communication throughout the situationship is really important, so that you can establish mutual trust that both of you are on the same page about what this relationship will look like.
Just remember – even if you don't call each other a label ending in ‘friend’, it does not mean your situationship was any less real.
The presence or absence of a label shouldn’t invalidate whatever you had together.
Myth 2: ‘Duration Defines the Connection’
Situationships can last for 3 months or even 3 years.
Unlike a relationship, which can follow a pretty cliche timeline, a situationship generally doesn’t.
This worked for me, as my situationship and I mutually agreed that we needed more time before we committed to a relationship.
This is perfectly fine, as long as you chat about what you’re comfortable with and set this boundary within your situationship.
Just remember that being together for a shorter period doesn’t have to make the connection any less genuine.
You deserve to take things at your own pace, which is mutually agreed upon, and not feel judged for it.
Myth 3: ‘It’s Not Really a Breakup’
When my situationship and I ended things, I was told that it wasn’t really a breakup if we weren’t actually together.
We didn’t have a label, and we were only together for 3 months – so apparently that wasn’t the grounds for the emotional connection that comes with a ‘real relationship’.
The truth is, being in a situationship can often feel exactly like a relationship does.
It is still a form of relationship, just with less commitment.
Not gonna lie, it can be quite disheartening to hear someone question you just because there was no label.
Your feelings are real, regardless of if they’re about a situationship or not.
Whether you’re in a situationship right now or healing from one, remind yourself that your experiences are valid unlike the misconceptions you may see online.
