If there’s something you can’t easily explain, that usually means you don’t understand it. Truer words could not have been spoken when it comes to "situationships." If someone asks you, “So,

what are y’all doing?” and you can’t say “We’re dating” or “We’re exclusive,” think about why that may be the case. When your relationship is clear, it doesn't leave you tongue tied.

It's relatively easy to explain.

Someone coming over to your house to “watch a movie” — and that’s in quotes because sometimes that’s code for doing other stuff — all the time does not constitute as a date. 

A

date is an investment of time, money, and energy to see where something is headed. That doesn’t mean the dates have to resemble something off of The Bachelor. We’re just saying, if you’ve

never been outside of each other’s homes or seen a bill at the end of spending time together, you might be doing something — but “dating” isn’t exactly what we’d call it.

What are the two of you gonna do next weekend? Any plans coming up for the next big holiday? Is the future even up for conversation at all? If you

feel like you’re constantly in a state of “winging it” because there are rarely any plans made, this is another sign that you’re in a "situationship." Relationships should look ahead,

they shouldn't just be concerned about what's happening in the moment

By "no one," we mean the important people in your life. If it’s been a few months now and you haven’t met their best friend or you haven’t invited them to go on

a double date with your sister — it sounds like you’re sneaking around. Relationships are meant to be out in the light. "Situationships" tend to stay in the dark, or at least in the

shadows.

Great, or at least consistent, sex without any real emotion is a fundamental part of a "situationship." Please don’t think that just because they make your toes curl they intend

on saying, “I love you” any time soon…if ever. 

If there’s a lot of late night phone calls to hook up, but not much verbal affirming, hand holding, or quality

time being spent outside of the bedroom, accept that for what it is — a physical connection and not much more than that.

We saved the best for last. Confusion leaves you perplexed. Confusion is covered in all sorts of emotional chaos. Sometimes, by definition of the word, confusion can also put you in

some embarrassing circumstances. Like, being out and seeing them on a date with someone else or expecting them to take you out on your birthday when that wasn’t even remotely

on their mind. 

If you don’t know where you stand, it’s probably because the "situationship" is shaky at best. Get clear, as soon as possible. You deserve to know what

you’re in, and if it’s not what you want, move on to an actual relationship.