Why the End of a Situationship Can Hurt More

A situationship, a vague and non-committal relationship, can cause pain when it ends. Unlike traditional relationships, situationships lack clear boundaries and mutual commitment.

In a classic relationship, there are clear foundations, commitment, communication, and shared planning for the future. Both parties invest time and emotional energy. A situationship, however, is characterized by ambiguity and a lack of definition. Communication is sporadic and expectations are often unbalanced.

The end of a situationship can be particularly painful for several reasons:

• Sudden End: Unlike relationships, situationships can end quickly and unexpectedly, without warning.
• Lack of Emotional Accountability: There is not the same expectation for honesty and explanations as in a traditional relationship.
• Superficial Knowledge: Often, people in a situationship do not really know each other well, leading to idealizations and incomplete pictures.

Source: Vita