"For many casual partners, flexibility means freedom, and when it comes to commitment, less is more. But in many cases, one of the dating partners begins to develop deeper feelings and a desire to take the relationship to the next level. Not wanting to scare off a noncommitted partner, how does one explore the possibility of permanence? Fortunately, studies have explored the factors that determine whether and when a couple decides to move a relationship to the next level."
"M.R. Langlais et al. (2025) examined the field of romantic non-commitment in a piece labeled "Are Situationships Situational?"[i] They note that situationships have been described in lay literature as "emotional connections with someone without the label of boyfriend or girlfriend," and empirically as relationships with romantic connection, including physical intimacy, but no clarity or commitment. Regarding satisfaction, Langlais et al. note that while situationships have become more common, they are often less satisfying than traditional relationships."
Situationships combine emotional connection and compatibility with a lack of formal commitment or labels. Casual romance emphasizes companionship, living in the present, and flexibility rather than future planning. Many casual partners value freedom, yet one partner often develops deeper feelings and seeks a more permanent relationship. Greater relational investment, clear communication about the future, and prioritizing the relationship increase commitment and satisfaction within situationships. Situationships have become more common but tend to be less satisfying than traditional relationships, and unequal investment between partners generates emotional costs.
Read at Psychology Today
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]