By Yalan Zhu
Staff Writer
One of the most confusing terms to emerge from Gen Z slang is situationships. Combining situation and relationship, the word describes a romantic connection without official labels. When I was in a situationship, we did what regular couples did—constantly texting and checking up on one another—but we weren’t considered dating.
Even without the official label, we would both get jealous or upset if the other person talked to someone else, almost as if we were dating. I was often skeptical about what he wanted, whether it was a long-term connection or entertainment. We were unable to commit to each other, which resulted in an awkward ending with an unclear breakup and unsaid words.
I also struggled with a similar lack of commitment in non-romantic relationships, such as friendships. In one of my previous friend groups, two people were more committed to each other than they were to me, but refused to let me leave. They exclusively talked to each other, and when I tried to engage, they would brush me off as if including me required too much effort. They blamed my busy schedule when excluding me from plans, even though I regularly rearranged my availability.
Eventually, I realized that in both cases, I was holding onto relationships that others weren’t willing to invest in, and that imbalance made it hard to feel valued. Recognizing that helped me prioritize relationships where the effort and commitment were equal.
Many teens can relate to these struggles with commitment, whether the relationship is romantic or platonic. It’s common to find yourself in a relationship where one person is unable to commit but is reluctant to let the other go, but fixing this issue is easier said than done. Some simple steps include talking about what you both want; sometimes, asking “what are you looking for right now?” or “do you feel like this is healthy for both of us?” can save months of confusion. If you want the relationship to work out, you have to be honest and vulnerable by opening up, expressing what bothers you and setting boundaries.
After communicating, they might tell you that they will address the issues, but they do not always mean what they say. If they change for a week and resort back to their old ways, you have to stand up for yourself and leave the relationship. They might try to stop you or change your mind, but you have to understand that empty promises mean nothing.
What I’ve learned is that relationships should not feel like guessing games. If they truly value you, their actions will show effort and respect for your boundaries, whether you choose to stay or leave. Holding onto relationships that feel incomplete only shows your loss of self-respect. Choosing clarity over confusion is how you reclaim your worth and make space for the relationships you deserve.