These days it seems like most people are falling into situationships and don’t even know how they got there. In this post, I will be explaining the things to do and the things not to do in order to avoid getting yourself in a situationship.
Be vocal early on and express what you are looking for
Everything starts with Communication. For this reason, it’s important that you express what you are looking for. A lot of people fear that stating that they are looking for a relationship might spook away their dates. They fear they will come off as desperate and as a result, they feel uncomfortable doing so. However, it is important to remember when you are going out on dates you are in the beginning stages of getting to know that particular person. You’re gathering the necessary information to see if that person is a good fit for YOU as a partner. You’re not asking the person to marry you. Instead of seeing your vocalization of what you’re looking for as a way that repels people, see it as a way that you filter out all the people who are there for the wrong reasons.
Don’t waste your time on people who are not looking for a relationship
If you are on a Dating App that has filters that identify what people are looking for, definitely take advantage of these features. Avoid going out with people who don’t know what they want or are not looking for a relationship. If the App allows this feature I’d be suspicious of those who choose not to update what they are looking for as well. Instead, invest your time in people who are actively looking for a relationship because you are more likely to get in a relationship with someone who is already looking for a relationship than someone who isn’t.
Set up an Expiration date
Whether you decide to get to know someone who is just wanting to go with the flow or are getting to know someone who is looking for a relationship make sure to set up an expiration date for your relationship. If things are not made official by at least 3-4 months, respect yourself and your time and move on. It can be hard to make the decision to move on when we really like the person.
Final Thoughts
In the end, avoiding a situationship comes down to knowing what you want and being intentional about how you navigate dating. By clearly communicating your expectations, avoiding those who aren’t looking for the same things, and setting a timeline for commitment, you can protect yourself from getting stuck in an undefined relationship. Remember, your time and energy are valuable—invest them in someone who truly wants to build something real with you.
