By Latifat Shittu
Situationships often doesn’t start as anything serious. Two students talk, get comfortable, spend time together, and slowly become emotionally close. Somewhere along the way, expectations form, even if they’re never said out loud. But when the question of commitment comes up “what are we?” there’s hesitation. No response,no labels,no clarity. Just confusion. This has become a common experience among students today.
Then words like “I’m not single, but I’m not in a relationship” will be heard. “We talk every day, we act like a couple, and I can see the love even though it hasn’t been said.” These are the kind of statements you hear from students. Many students find themselves emotionally invested in relationships that have no clear definition.
Love, as many describe it, comes with intention and security. It is not perfect, but it is honest, safe, and worth doing. “Love is when someone is sure about you. Even if things are hard, there is no confusion about where you stand.” Situationships, however, exist in hesitation ,emotional closeness without commitment, affection without responsibility.
Why are situationships so common among students? For some, it is fear. Academic pressure, financial struggles, past relationship experiences, and uncertainty about the future make commitment feel risky. Some students will say, “I like her, but I don’t want the pressure of a full relationship because I am not yet ready but I really like her." For others, situationships offer companionship without accountability, just vibes, no commitment.
The difference between love and a situationship exists mainly in clarity. Love allows room for communication, reassurance, boundaries, and growth. Situationships, however, rely on assumptions, confusion, and unspoken expectations. In love, difficult conversations happen. In situationships, silence and vibes often become the answer.
Many students spend so much time in a relationship that doesn’t have a name. As a result, many now emphasize the importance of knowing what they want and communicating it clearly. “I learned that it’s okay to walk away,”“If something is constantly confusing, it’s probably not love.” These are the words students use to console themselves after letting go of an unlabelled relationship.
In the end, whether it’s love or a situationship, clarity and honesty are what truly matter. Students should be able to communicate clearly in an unlabelled relationship, expressing that they want companionship, not commitment, if that is what they feel. Students deserve relationships that bring peace not confusion, growth not constant questioning of their worth. It’s okay to enjoy companionship, but it’s also okay to step back when things are unclear. Know what you want, speak your mind, and respect your feelings. Love should never leave you guessing or in doubt,it should make you feel seen, secure, and valued. Sometimes, walking away from what doesn’t serve you even if it’s what you want is the bravest and most loving thing you can do for yourself.
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