A situationship at any time of year is enough to make you rip your hair out in frustration, agony, and confusion. The uncertainty of what you are reigns dominant over every single interaction both together, and apart, as desperate justifications to friends plead that you are more than on board with casual, even though everyone knows you are not. Questions of exclusivity, severity, and appropriateness all hang in the balance of a situationship for the entirety of its existence, as the lack of boundaries makes everything overwhelmingly blurry. However, one thing can make all of this worse: Valentine’s Day.
With the dreaded February 14 just around the corner, most people will have already orchestrated plans, be that with their partners or friends. However, some people, those governed by the treachery of the ‘situationship,’ are left confused on how they should tackle the day of love when they are in the liminal stage of dating. The obvious rule that should be strictly followed for all those not in a relationship is to double down on the cynical belief that Valentine’s is a capitalistic construction used to make people buy cards, flowers, and chocolates. Once this step has been accomplished, everything should become slightly easier, but there are many more steps to success in surviving Valentine’s Day.
Appearing to be nonchalant here is really the most important part, as no matter how much you probe or hint at wanting to make plans, you will only come across as desperate. In addition to this, passive aggressive jokes are definitely not the move. As far as anyone in a situationship should be concerned, February 14 is just February 14. This means absolutely no gift or card should be purchased for your casual/ lowkey/go-with-the-flow partner, under any circumstances. If there is no label on what you are, then there should be no gift. It really is that simple.
On the day itself, it is vital to keep yourself busy. Luckily, this year, Valentine’s falls on a Saturday, so it is easy to just make plans for a night out and treat it like any other weekend. I personally cannot think of anything more fun than getting leathered with some friends, and dancing to a bit of Pitbull in the club. Alternatively, if clubbing is not your style, have a cosy night in and be grateful for the fact that you do not have to indulge in a ridiculously overpriced meal out. Be grateful that you do not have to buy someone a soppy card. Be grateful that you do not have to buy someone a gift that is supposed to signify how much you love them in the form of chocolate or a teddy bear.
Ultimately, for those suffering in a situationship, remember that you are an individual and no one is tying you down, so do whatever you want on valentines weekend. Enjoy yourself and you will be happy, and that is really all that matters.
Image by Christian Agbede on Unsplash
