If you’ve ever dated within the last 20 years or so, you might have found yourself in a “situationship” at some point. It’s this weird status where you are more than friends, but not in a committed relationship. There is no clarity where you stand with each other, and it can be incredibly confusing, especially if one person wants more out of the relationship. The constant limbo can have a profound impact on how people feel about themselves. And while it might seem easier than a committed relationship, it can really take a toll on you. Here are six specific ways it might be impacting your mental health.
1. Constant Uncertainty Can Lead to Anxiety
When you’re in a situationship, you’re never quite sure what to expect. Are they seeing other people? Will they text you tomorrow? The emotional ambiguity becomes a breeding ground for anxiety. That uncertainty often leads people to overanalyze every word, every pause, and every social media post. Over time, your brain stays in a constant state of alert, and your peace of mind pays the price.
2. Lack of Validation Damages Self-Worth
Everyone wants to feel wanted, chosen, and respected. But in a situationship, that kind of emotional validation is often missing or inconsistent. You may end up feeling like a backup plan rather than a priority. That lack of reassurance starts to erode your self-worth, especially if you’re the one hoping for a real relationship. Eventually, you start asking not what’s wrong with the situation, but what’s wrong with you.
3. Emotional Investment Without Commitment Is Draining
You laugh together, share deep thoughts, and maybe even spend nights and weekends like a real couple. But when you emotionally invest in someone who won’t commit, it creates emotional fatigue. You’re giving the energy of a relationship without receiving the security of one. This imbalance leaves many feeling emotionally depleted and confused. The toll can resemble symptoms of burnout—exhaustion, withdrawal, and even mild depression.
4. Fear of “Rocking the Boat” Builds Resentment
In a situationship, one person usually wants more, and doesn’t feel empowered to ask for it. Why? Because defining the relationship might scare the other person away. This fear of “rocking the boat” causes people to suppress their real feelings to keep things going. Over time, those bottled-up emotions build into resentment and inner turmoil. You may start blaming yourself for wanting clarity or feeling embarrassed about your own needs.
5. The On-Again, Off-Again Cycle Disrupts Emotional Stability
Many situationships follow a toxic pattern: intense connection followed by sudden distance. Maybe they ghost for a few days, then return like nothing happened. This unpredictability creates a cycle of hope and disappointment, which is a known trigger for emotional dysregulation. You start craving the highs and fearing the lows—like a rollercoaster you can’t get off. That kind of instability makes it difficult to focus, sleep, or even function in other parts of your life.
6. Healing Afterward Can Be Harder Than a Breakup
Ironically, ending a situationship can sometimes hurt more than ending a real relationship. That’s because you’re left with so many unanswered questions. You never had closure, commitment, or a label to grieve, so the pain feels ambiguous but real. People often struggle to explain the depth of their hurt because the relationship was “never official.” But the emotional scars left behind prove that even undefined connections can break your heart.
Protect Your Peace: You Deserve More Than Confusion
Situationships can be incredibly messy when it comes to dealing with your emotions. More than that, they can actually harm your mental health. If you find yourself longing for clarity or discovering your relationship has zero boundaries, it might be time to go your separate ways. The anxiety, and possibly even depression, these situationships can cause just aren’t worth it. You’re not alone. These relationships are more common than you think, but you’re not wrong for wanting a real connection with someone. Protecting your mental health matters!
Have you ever been caught in the chaos of a situationship? Share your experience or advice in the comments—we want to hear your story.
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The post The Mental Health Damage Caused by Being in a “Situationship” appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.
