With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'm sure many of us will be wondering about the status of our relationships.
The dating world is jam-packed with jargon, a new phrase to describe a recently-coined dating phenomenon seemingly cropping up every week or so.
By now, I'm sure many of us have wrapped our heads around the idea of a situationship but what are the major signs you need to keep an eye out for that mean you've wound up in one?
A situationship is basically a term used to define a relationship which crosses the line of friendship into romance but lacks clear definitions and commitments.
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Unlike conventional relationships, situationships can often leave individuals feeling unsure about where they stand with their partner, especially if they want something long-term.
So, to help you figure out whether or not you're in a situationship, relationship expert and founder of Chapter2, Nicky Wake, has shared the seven signs you should spot, and how to decide if it’s the right path for you.
Undefined labels
Nicky says one of the 'primary indicators' of a situationship is the absence of clear labels.
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"Unlike committed relationships, where a partner defines their status as official or 'off the market', non-committal relationships lack definition," she explains.
Conversations about the future
Up next on the rundown is the conversations you have with the person you're seeing about the future.
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The expert explains: "In healthy relationships, partners will discuss the future together such as booking holidays or celebrating milestones.
"In a situationship, discussion about future events is notably absent. If conversations about long-term goals, such as meeting their social circle, are met with discomfort, awkwardness, and a shift in topics, without genuine reason, it could be a sign that your connection isn’t long-term but situational."
Last-minute plans
Now, while it's true that just about everyone gets busy in their daily lives from time to time, only having last-minute plans may be a tell-tale sign you're in a situationship.
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"When you’re dating someone, you should be able to book time to see them," Nicky says. "If you’re finding it hard to plan dates with your partner, and instead confirm only a day or a few hours before, you might be low on their priority list."
Inconsistency
The fourth sign on the list is all about consistency - or the lack of.
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Nicky explains that a situationship completely lacks consistency which can leave you feeling anxious and unhappy.
"Effective communication is the backbone of any successful relationship," she continues. "If your interactions are confined to sporadic texts or one-off meet-ups without meaningful conversations about emotions, you might be in a situationship."
Limited emotional support
Next up on the list is all about mutual support, which Nicky informs is 'key to building a firm foundation together'.
The relationship expert adds: "This is especially important if you’re new to dating due to the loss of a partner. You need to look for someone who can help you navigate life’s challenges and be each other’s emotional anchor.
"If your partner is not compelled to provide the level of emotional support found in committed connections, it might be time to take a step back."
There’s always an excuse
Now, this one is probably the most unfortunately relatable warning sign on the rundown.
"If you really like someone, you want to make time for them," Nicky explains. "In a situationship, you might hear frequent excuses in response to arranging meet-ups.
"This can cause upset and knock your self-esteem. Try to talk to your partner about your feelings towards this, and their response will help you decide if the situation is right for you."
Lack of reassurance
And last but by no means least on Nicky's list of situationship signs is a complete 'lack of reassurance'.
She says: "You don’t need reassurance each day, but every now and then, it’s nice to hear how someone feels about you and the relationship you have built.
"When communicating any concerns, your partner should reassure you of their feelings. If you leave the conversation feeling more confused than before, chances are you’re in a one side situationship."
So - how do you decide if a situationship is right for you?
Well, the expert advises: "Determining whether a situationship is right for you involves a careful evaluation of your own values, needs, and long-term goals.
"Reflect on your own expectations and desires from a relationship in your current period of life, considering past experiences. If you are comfortable with ambiguity and enjoy the freedom that comes with an undefined connection, a situationship might align with your preferences.
"However, if you value clarity, defined roles, and long-term commitment, a traditional relationship may be a better fit."
Featured Image Credit: Bohdana Smiian/Tim Robberts/Getty ImagesTopics: Sex and Relationships, Life