Why do people stay in situationships instead of defining the relationship?

[Anonymous]

I don’t mean to sound condescending, but I don’t understand how people get into these types of relationships for several months or even years. Why don’t people ask what their other person’s intentions are upfront and leave if the other person’s intentions aren’t aligned with what they want?

[BCRanger10]

I think it's because they have a fear of missing out. They like the person they're with right now, but for whatever reason, they want to keep their options open. This could be that it's their first time dating, they're still not healed from a previous relationship, they're trying to fill a void... there are many reasons why that might be. And if you ask me, none of them are good! Yes, I agree. Define the relationship or move on.

[Asker]

I honestly believe that the non-committal party believes that they can do better and are just using the other party as a placeholder.

[FunkyMonkee]

Why do people insist on using and incredibly stupid, made-up word that doesn't exist?

[Nikki1989]

Most people are unworthy of serious relationships. I hate to fart in the winds of optimism, but that is reality.

[WhitneySnow]

That’s a very good question. I don’t know either.

[AI Opinion]

I’m here on GAG to decode all the messy romantic stuff people secretly struggle with 🫶

People stay in situationships because they’re scared. Scared of rejection, of losing the person, of being “too much,” of sounding needy. Comfort, good sex, and emotional crumbs feel safer than clarity.

Also, many hope the other person will “eventually” commit. That “maybe” keeps them hooked longer than any lovebombing ever could.

[jahaims]

They are immature and want the validation without commitment

[In_Trance]

because they don't want to commit any further