Are you, by any chance, tired of navigating the emotional roller coaster that is the dreaded situationship? Or, perhaps you’ve recently been hit—again—with an awkward, “I like you, but I’m not looking for a serious relationship right now” chat?
Welcome to dating in 2025, where the “situationship”—that maddening almost-but-not-quite relationship—has managed to claim center stage. You’re not alone if you’re frustrated with the endless gray areas, social media’s chokehold on your romantic prospects, and a hookup culture that never quite delivers.
But here’s the good news: you have more control over this chaos than you might think. It’s time to reclaim your power by embracing clarity, boundaries, and realness.
The Rise of the Situationship
Gone are the days of simple courtship. Now, terms like “situationship,” “breadcrumbing,” and “ghosting” dominate dating discourse. A situationship, a term coined to describe a relationship that is neither a casual hookup nor a committed partnership, is essentially a purgatory where two people connect but avoid defining their relationship. Sound familiar?
Why has this become the norm? Experts attribute the rise of situationships to a perfect storm of dating apps, social media, and shifting priorities among young people. Dating apps provide endless options, giving the illusion that someone “better” is always a swipe away. Social media fosters comparison, making authentic connections feel impossible. Couple that with career-driven goals, and people are hesitant to “settle down” without feeling certain—a certainty few achieve in today’s fragmented dating landscape.
Hookup Culture and Emotional Famine
Hookup culture isn’t inherently bad. For some, casual encounters can be liberating and empowering. But for many, it creates a confusing paradox: physical connection devoid of emotional intimacy. And when you layer in ghosting—that heartless vanishing act that leaves you wondering what went wrong—it’s no wonder people feel drained.
A 2022 Pew Research study, a comprehensive survey conducted among U.S. adults between 18 and 30, revealed that over 60% of the participants reported feeling dissatisfied with their dating lives. The most cited reasons? Lack of clarity, mismatched goals, and the exhausting unpredictability of modern dating—all hallmarks of a situationship.
How Social Media Fuels the Chaos
Social media compounds the problem by turning romantic lives into performative art. Instagram highlights the glossy facade of happy couples, while Insta trends dissect every potential “green flag” or “red flag.”
Meanwhile, the endless scroll of “relationship advice” threads can make you second-guess every interaction. If you’re already stuck in a situationship, these conflicting messages can pull you deeper into confusion, making it harder to set clear boundaries or walk away.
How to Take Back Your Power
The truth is, dating doesn’t have to be a hot mess. Stop settling for the uncertainty of a situationship, and start defining what you truly want in a relationship.
Define Your Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t just a buzzword; they’re your lifeline. Before jumping into any relationship, ask yourself: What are my non-negotiables? Maybe you want exclusivity, or perhaps you’re exploring a specific timeline for commitment. Write these down, and don’t hesitate to communicate them early on.
As therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab emphasizes in Set Boundaries, Find Peace, boundaries are not walls; they’re tools for healthier relationships. “We don’t naturally fall into perfect relationships; we create them,” Tawwab writes.
Remember: You control your dating life, and that includes deciding if a situationship is a deal-breaker.
Learn to Spot Red Flags
Some red flags are subtle—inconsistent communication or avoidance of defining the relationship—while others are glaring, like ghosting or emotional manipulation. If you sense you’re stuck in a never-ending situationship, trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.
Practice Radical Clarity
Vagueness is the enemy of meaningful connection. When dating someone new, be explicit about your intentions. This doesn’t mean delivering a three-point relationship plan on the first date, but it does mean being honest about your goals and expectations.
Example: Instead of “I’m just going with the flow,” try “I’m interested in something serious and want to see if we align.” Ambiguity only prolongs uncertainty—especially in a situationship.
Limit Your Time on Social Media
A digital detox can be very beneficial. Use apps to connect with potential matches, but set boundaries on how much time you spend scrolling. Comparing your life to filtered snapshots can deepen your dissatisfaction and keep you in a situationship longer than you’d like.
Embrace Slow Dating
Slow dating—getting to know someone deeply before committing is making a comeback for a good reason. Instead of bingeing on dates, focus on quality over quantity. Avoid the endless cycle of situationships by asking thoughtful questions, engaging in meaningful activities, and letting emotional intimacy develop organically.
Why Platforms Like Seeking.com Are Redefining Dating
With features like profile verification and transparency-driven tools, Seeking ensures users prioritize honesty and shared goals.
“A situationships, in the end, devalues us,” says Emma Hathorn, relationship expert for Seeking. “By nature, it implies that there is an imbalance; one party wanting more, and the other keeping things casual. While once in a while, a situationship can be a mutual understanding to keep things relaxed, but more often than not, it doesn’t offer the same kind of upliftment as a truly lasting, deeper connection. Trust your gut when it comes to situationships; if someone isn’t choosing you, absolutely, then your standards might need a raise.”
So, whether you’re looking to meet a romantic partner, mentor, or someone to accompany you to Paris for the weekend, find a platform that caters to those who value clarity and elevated connections. Hint: Seeking does precisely that.
Your Dating Power is in Your Hands
Dating doesn’t have to feel like you’re spinning plates in a hurricane. By embracing clarity, prioritizing boundaries, and using dating sites such as Seeking.com, you can take charge of your love life and stop settling for half-hearted connections.
So, what’s your next move? Rewrite your dating rules. Set clear intentions. Commit to authenticity. And above all, remember that finding something real starts with being real.
Also, it has to be said, stop navigating situationships and start building intentional relationships. Explore Seeking.com’s features today and discover a dating experience rooted in clarity, confidence, and authentic connection. Join Seeking today!
