"It means a relationship without a clear definition, between people who usually behave like a couple. When you ask about it, they'll say, "It's complicated," or shrug and say they're figuring it out as they go. Perhaps they have moments of deep intimacy, and can share their fears and insecurities-but without a shared understanding of the roles they play in each other's lives."
"If you've been together a short while, you've probably had conversations about "what this is." Perhaps these talks have been awkward, or you've left the terms intentionally vague. Asking for clarity about the future of a relationship can feel like admitting you care enough to wonder where it's going. So perhaps situationships form because of romantic anxiety: They let people get together without having to have that talk."
Situationships produce emotional closeness without agreed roles, labels, or shared social integration. Relational uncertainty describes underconfidence about a relationship's status and unknown future. Ambiguity often involves inconsistent contact, private-only interaction, and not meeting close friends or family. Avoiding conversations about what the relationship is can reduce immediate romantic anxiety while prolonging uncertainty. Persistent ambiguity has been linked with increased anxiety, rumination, and attachment insecurity. Commitment tends to strengthen when partners integrate each other into social worlds. Individuals should consider seeking clarity when the relationship generates more anxiety than contentment, or when long-term expectations diverge.
Read at Psychology Today
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