A situation-ship is a relationship that is undefined, has no commitment or accountability. A lot of people who are in situation-ships tend to feel like they are just an option and don’t really have a say in what happens in the relationship. Situation-ships can be unhealthy and lead to heartbreak. So, before you consider getting into one, take a quick look below to see why it might not be a good idea.

There’s no real commitment

The whole point of a situation-ship is to enjoy the benefits (usually sex) of a normal relationship without being committed or emotionally attached. This relationship doesn’t offer labels or stability. So, you run the risk of developing feelings for a person who has no intention of building a real relationship with you. You’re likely to feel strung along and end up being hurt.

No promise of faithfulness

If you’re sexually active, you’re at a higher risk of being infected with STIs  since a lot of people who are in a situation-ship tend to have more than one sexual partner. So, if you’re looking for a relationship that honours faithfulness, a situation-ship is not for you. It’s also not a good idea to get into a situation-ship in the hopes that it will eventually develop into a real relationship since this can lead to disappointment if the other party has no desire to be in a committed relationship.

It might be a waste of your time

If you’re hoping to build something more serious, a situation-ship might end up feeling a waste of time. That’s why it’s a good idea to spend time alone and get to know yourself before trying to build a relationship with someone. This way, you are more likely to be completely honest with yourself and the other party when it comes to your expectations from any relationship.

You deserve better

To be honest, situation-ships tend to not last very long and they offer you a false sense of being in a real relationship. You deserve someone who will love and respect you enough to want to commit to you, and it’s okay to be single while waiting for a healthy relationship.

Signs that you are in a situation-ship

Signs that you’re in a situation-ship include not being sure what to call your relationship, not introducing each other as ‘boyfriend and girlfriend’, not talking about the future together, and not knowing much about each other’s lives. If you think that you may be in this kind of relationship, it’s important to have a discussion with your partner so that you can express what you expect from a relationship while hearing their needs, too.

While there’s nothing wrong with not wanting a committed relationship, it does become problematic if you are in a relationship with someone who does. That’s why it’s important to communicate with your partner to make sure that you are both on the same page.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).