This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Fainite Auguste. Find her on Instagram at @ceilingdancing. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Most of Gen Z are either dating or just entered the dating world. Unlike previous generations, dating apps and texting are the top forms of romantic communication. It’s easy to feel distant in a romantic relationship- or worse end up in a situationship.
What is the Gen Z Situationship?
If you are lucky enough to have never experienced a situationship here’s a definition: it is a romantic but sometimes sexual relationship that does have a label and is noncommittal. It’s nothing like casual dating, but it’s similar to friends with benefits. One person almost always has more feelings for the other, which ends up hurting both parties. And the longer it goes on the harder it is to get out of it.
Dating Apps and Ghosting
Dating apps are a fun and interesting way to meet new people and create romantic connections, but they’re also a breeding ground for situationships. The possibility of thousands of people waiting to connect with you on an app creates an indifferent attitude toward everyone else. The user becomes the prize.
Let’s not forget that almost every dating app has a premium subscription where people can see the most popular users and people who have swiped right on your profile. No matter how much dating apps like Tinder and Hinge market a “happy ever after,” the main goal is to make a profit and keep people on the app.
When the communication is exclusively through texts the emotional connection can get a little lost. And if there isn’t a mutual friend connection in real life there isn’t fear that you might run into them. Someone could delete the app and you would never know, or they could decide they aren’t interested anymore and not tell you. There isn’t any real obligation to tell a match that you no longer want to connect, but you definitely should. Yes, breakups are awkward but how a breakup is handled affects the next relationship. For example, if you ghost someone, that person might do the same to someone else, because they might think it’s a normal thing to do.
How to Spot if You’re in a Situationship?
It’s so easy to wind up in a situationship, it happens to the best of us. Here are some tips on how to spot a situationship and end it for good.
If the person refuses to put a label on the relationship then that is a red flag. However, communication is key. There needs to be an honest discussion on what both parties want. If you’re truly open to casual dating then let that person know. Everyone has the right to change their mind. If casual dating doesn’t work for you please be honest. No one deserves to be stuck in a relationship or situationship.
For breakups, (if it’s safe to do so), do it in person. Be kind but firm about what went wrong. Be kind but firm about what went wrong. Knowing you need to let go of someone is a difficult thing to walk around with. When you feels as if it’s over or there isn’t a spark you can not string someone along.
How to Develop a Romantic Relationship
Developing a romantic relationship is easier said than done. Before swiping right and going on dates with people think about what you truly want. Talking on the phone and going on dates are fun ways to get to know each other. Be open to people changing and growing with you.
What do you think of the gen z situationship curse? Have you been in one? How did it end, or is it still going? Let us know!
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