Situationships are now a good thing, according to young daters

Situationships have typically been referred to as the kind of thing you don’t want to get in.

But new research from Tinder shows young singles are owning the situationship as a valid relationship status. 

They key thing is that ‘everyone is on the same page’.

Tinder describes this as: ‘More than a hookup, but not quite a traditional relationship, the situationship is a casual – yet clearly defined – agreement.’

In a survey, one in 10 young singles said they prefer situationships as a way to develop a relationship with less pressure.

If two people are looking for connection without serious connotations, situationships can be a healthy and fun way forward.

Laura Wilkinson-Rea at Tinder says: ‘Situationships are often linked to authenticity as singles aren’t afraid to be clear on what they are looking for.

‘Reflected in this year’s Year in Swipe Report, singles are done with playing games.

‘Instead, they are setting expectations from the outset, with nearly 50% of Tinder members adding their relationship intent to their profiles and many of those favouring situationships.’

Dr Caroline, sex a relationships expert at Bumble, says situationships can be a opportunity to test the water with someone new.

She says: ‘People are increasingly seeing situationships in a positive light, as an opportunity to test if feelings develop organically, while giving both time to build deeper connections.

‘Equally, a situationship might just be what two people are looking for at the time, with neither having the intention of evolving into a fully-fledged relationship.

‘This is still a very valid interaction as it can serve them positively, so long as they are both on the same page about the status of the relationship.’

Society prioritises traditional relationships between couples, and it’s seen as something to aspire to – hence why the situationship has been dubbed as bad, as it threatens that idea.

However, what’s happening now is that some people are embracing the benefits of a situationship – finding that it suits them better.

Caroline says one key benefit is it allows for more personal freedom.

‘Situationships are perfect for those taking their time to explore and learn about their own needs,’ she says.

‘They can be great for people that aren’t ready to commit to a full relationship, but are still looking for emotional and physical connection. 

‘Situationships naturally call for setting boundaries to ensure that you’re dating on your terms.’

Bumble recently identified a trend of ‘guardrailing’ within its dating community, as the return of office culture and busy social schedules has led to more than half of people on Bumble establishing more boundaries over the last year.

This includes being clearer about our emotional needs and boundaries as well as being more thoughtful and intentional about how we put ourselves out there.

It can also be a liberating way to date.

‘A situationship can offer the option to date multiple people without the need to commit, while learning more about yourself and the future partner that you do want to commit to, whenever that may be,’ Caroline adds.

‘Many relationships also start out as situationships and successfully develop into long-term, serious commitments as they enable people to get to know each other without the added pressure of a relationship status.

‘Whether you want to casually date, be in a situationship, relationship, or something else, you should feel empowered to pursue what feels right to you.’

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