FEBRUARY, the month of love, the month that couples are looking forward to. This month is very special as it celebrates togetherness and the main reason for them being in a relationship. Giving gifts and flowers, eating outside, surprises, these are just some of the normal events every love month for a couple. But what if partners are in a no label relationship?
Situationship is the best suited description for two people who are in a romantic relationship but have no label. Situationship partners are those who usually spend time together but if asked about their relationship, they do not know what to answer. This kind of relationship is common among Gen Z. Older generations might find this relationship a waste of time because there is no commitment between partners which is obviously different from their generation. Some also find this unfair because both of them can still be involved with another person even if they are in a situationship with someone.
Fritzie, a 22-year old Gen Z is more loose when it comes to dating. She mentioned that she is going with the flow, and if things work, she will take dating seriously. “For me, okay lang kasi minsan nakakatamad talaga makipag-real relationship. Kaya go with the flow nalang din. Kapag mag-work, don na lang magseryoso.”
Jhon, a 21-year old Gen Z, mentioned being in a situationship is like getting ready for a real relationship. “It is great to experience situationship for us to have a better mindset before entering a real relationship. Having yourself ready for something big will not only help you, but also the other so that you can both be happy and content with each other in the long run.”
There is a good thing and a bad thing about being in a situationship. Mackoy, 27, “The good thing about being in a situationship is that both of the people involved mold the foundation of the emerging love story untold.” Fritzie added that situationship gives a person a sense of relief and happiness by having someone even if not in an official relationship. However, overthinking and inconsistencies is there since both parties are still unsure about their status. Situationship partners might also feel hurt but have no right to complain about it.
Being in a situationship is different from being in a real relationship. Mackoy mentioned the difference is the commitment and responsibility. “The main difference is the commitment and responsibilities. In a real relationship, you are committed and responsible to make an effort and make time for each other, while in a situationship you are not required to do so or at least just give fifty percent because both of you are still not sure.”
Fritzie added that being in a real relationship means having the right and awareness for each other, “Sa real relationship kasi, meron nang karapatan. Tsaka may commitment na rin. Nagiging aware na sa mga kilos at andon na sa stage na ayaw mo siya masaktan kahit sa maliit na bagay lang…nagiging sensitive na.”
Jhon cleared the distinction between the two relationships, “It is very different from a real relationship because in a situationship you can rethink and restart whenever you dont like how it’s turning out anymore, but if you’re in a relationship, you should be committed and risk everything for your partner at all costs, fight together, and face every problem”
Situationships and real relationships are both fine, it’s just a matter of preference. When one thinks that it is a waste of time and it would be unfair for both parties, then, that person should proceed to a real relationship. When one wants to experience being in love but is still not ready to commit, then, the person should try being in a situationship.
Without commitment, others were curious on how it works. Is it okay to go out even if situationship partners are not officially together? Mackoy said, “For me, yes, if both of you have the freedom to love, both of you have the freedom to express it also.” Jhon responded, “Yes, I’d love to have a simple dinner with her and a nice view free from stress and worries.”
Gen Z situationship is a risk that someone wants to experience before entering into a serious relationship. Others might think that it is a waste of time but for some, it is a good foundation of an emerging love between two people. Situationship becomes a training ground where individuals can try and restart if one does not work out.
