Situationships are more common than ever - but what does this mean for your dating life?
KMA Founder and relationship expert Dr. Kimberly Moffit joins Dr. Jess Carbino and Dr. Christie Kederian on NECN Boston to explain the good and bad aspects of situationships.
TRANSCRIPT:
NECN: Single, taken, or it's complicated. If you fall into the third category, you're not alone. For those who aren't really single but aren't officially taken, here's a new word for you: Maybe it's time to update your status to situationship.
If you've ever been romantically involved with someone who was more than a friend but not an official partner, you may be the victim of a situationship. The term, a combination of the word situation and relationship, refers to an unlabeled, non-committal relationship, similar to friends with benefits.
Dr. Jess Carbino: Essentially, it's a relationship that's in limbo. The parameters and norms surrounding the relationship are unclear for both parties.
NECN: And while some enjoy the casual connection, others find themselves settling for less than desirable element. A situationship can be ideal for intimacy for some people.
Dr. Kimberly Moffit: If you are single, having a situationship can just allow you that emotional intimacy with another person that helps you grow and develop as a human being.
NECN: But for others, it can lead to heartbreak.
Dr. Kimberly Moffit: They're usually unrequited, so they're a little more casual. People are often having intimate relationships with one another and it's less committed. And that can lead to one person having more feelings than the other, or wanting something more serious than the other.
NECN: Many attribute this lack of commitment to dating app culture and the overexposure of potential romantic partners. But Dr. Christie Kederian believes that it may be due to the overall trend of younger generations marrying later. Many want to establish themselves in their career or reach financial stability before settling down.
Dr. Christie Kederian: We like the idea of a relationship but we do know that we can meet needs like we would if we were in a relationship of another person.
NECN: Though it may be easier said than done, the best way to avoid getting stuck in a situationship is to openly communicate feelings and intentions with a partner and establish boundaries.
Dr. Jess Carbino: It's better to rip off the band aid and be able to move forward quickly than to linger in a relationship that is not necessarily something that you want.
Regardless of the label, experts say it's important to communicate an advocate for the type of relationship that fits your needs.
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