Dear Reader!
I was watching Singham Again , the sequel to the beloved action film where the honest supercop Bajirao Singham is always on a mission to fight injustice. But amidst the intense action and drama, there was a surprisingly lighthearted moment that caught my attention. Singham’s son told his parents that he is in a "situationship." Both Bajirao and his wife Avani give him puzzled looks that scream, “What is this fashionable word?” The son then explains, “ It’s like a relationship, but without the commitment. You know, something casual.” This hilarious yet relatable moment stuck with me, and I found myself researching why the term "situationship" has become such a hot topic in modern dating or relationships.
Here we will discuss the history and meaning of this buzzword, why it resonates with millennials and Gen Z, and how the psychology and culture of modern dating have made it a defining trend. Let’s explore why relationships seem to be more complicated than ever!
I too had to read so many blogs, stories, social media posts and articles to understand this trending word. We too had an experience of diving deep in a word called Body Count . This word also encourages me to read, research and write as I was not familiar with these words but now it's becoming a passion of my reading and writing style to become familiar with new words. So let’s walk towards understanding Situationship 🙂
The Birth of the Word ‘Situationship’
The term "situationship" may sound like millennial slang, but its roots stem from a deeper evolution in how we think about love, connection, and commitment. The word likely originated from online communities, particularly those discussing modern dating patterns in the early 2010s. It combines "situation" and "relationship," perfectly describing a gray area where people share intimacy, emotions, and time—but without labeling the bond.
Pop culture amplified its popularity, with songs, TV shows, and viral memes discussing situationships as the messy middle ground between casual dating and committed relationships . Hindi songs like "Hum Tum" from Hum Tum (2004) and "Kabira" from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) subtly romanticize connections that resist traditional labels, focusing instead on fleeting yet profound bonds. Bengali cinema also joins this narrative with songs like "Ei Shohor Amar" from Bela Shuru (2019), which celebrates modern urban connections without societal restrictions . Bhojpuri songs like "Chhalakata Hamro Jawaniya" focus on flirtatious dynamics, adding a local flavor to the idea of temporary, carefree relationships . These melodies normalize exploring emotional and physical intimacy without the need for commitment.
TV shows like Four More Shots Please! and Made in Heaven have further promoted this trend by showcasing protagonists in relationships that defy traditional norms. Characters engage in situations where intimacy thrives, yet there’s an absence of explicit commitments. These shows resonate with millennials and Gen Z audiences who see themselves in such stories, where ambiguity feels authentic and relatable. Internationally, shows like Friends with Benefits and Euphoria also portray the emotional and physical highs and lows of situationships, cementing their place in modern relationship discourse.
For millennials (Hey ! I too is a millennial 😀) and Gen Z, the term "situationship" gave language to what many were already experiencing in a world dominated by dating apps, communities and ever-changing norms.
Why Are Situationships So Popular Among Millennials and Gen Z?
1. The Impact of Modern Dating Culture
Modern dating has fundamentally changed thanks to the rise of dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Aisle and Hinge. While these platforms make meeting potential partners easier, they’ve also normalized non-committal interactions. Swiping culture encourages choice overload, where users keep their options open even after connecting with someone. Situationships thrive in this environment because they offer a low-pressure way to explore connections.
2. Fear of Commitment
Many millennials and Gen Z individuals are delaying traditional milestones such as marriage and long-term partnerships. Why? The reasons vary from financial instability and career priorities to a fear of replicating their parents' failed relationships. Situationships offer an emotionally safe alternative that allows for companionship without the weight of commitment. Personally I disagree that situationship offer an emotionally safe alternative as it looks like “Chaar Din Ki Chandni Fir Andheri Raat”. You may alter or disagree with me or may go with me too but I have shared my views along with the expert views which I have read in their articles and sharing here for you.
3. Evolving Relationship Psychology
Situationships are, in part, a reflection of changing relationship psychology. Concepts like attachment theory help explain why people—especially those with avoidant attachment styles—may prefer non-committal dynamics. These arrangements provide emotional intimacy with fewer risks of vulnerability or loss.
4. Cultural Acceptance of Ambiguity
Younger generations have embraced the idea that not everything needs a definition. They reject the rigid boxes of traditional relationships, preferring freedom and fluidity. Situationships offer precisely that: an ambiguous space to connect without societal judgment. That means there is no fear of or more precisely I may prefer to call it no care of “Chaar Log Kya Kahenge”. We, the people, whose roots are in a rural ecosystem, always think even when we are with our fiance “Char Log Kya Kahenge” and we try to maintain the decorum.
The Psychology Behind Situationship Trends
1. The Role of Dopamine
Situationships often start with chemistry and excitement, fueled by the brain’s release of dopamine. This initial rush keeps people hooked, even in the absence of long-term compatibility or plans.
2. The Power of Uncertainty
Uncertainty—not knowing where you stand—can ironically make situationships more addictive. Psychologists explain this using the concept of "intermittent reinforcement." When we’re unsure if someone will text back or show up, any positive attention feels like a reward, making us crave more. Mauka Mila Hai Guru, Chhodne Ka Nahi… these types of filmy dialogues encourage to fall in the situationship.
3. Emotional Detachment
For many, situationships are an intentional choice to avoid emotional entanglements. By keeping things casual, people can guard against heartbreak, rejection, and vulnerability. However, this emotional detachment can backfire, leading to confusion and unspoken expectations. You may have watched One Night Stand, or have heard about the concept of Khula Sandh. I had written a Gazal on this line as “Vo Kisi Ka Haath Nahi thamta, use to abhi kai haath masalne hai ….”
Cultural Forces Shaping Situationships
1. Social Media and the Influence of Pop Culture
Social media glorifies the idea of living in the moment, which perfectly aligns with the philosophy behind situationships. Instagram captions, TikTok trends, and even dating memes reinforce the notion that labels are unnecessary. Celebrities also play a role, with their casual, open-ended romantic lives setting a precedent for fans. We know numerous well known actors and actresses of Bollywood who used to be in Situationship but the media call it relationship. Hey, get courage and call a spade, spade. They are ‘used to’ changing partners regularly. It's a situationship.
2. Changing Societal Norms
In traditional Bharatiya society, relationships were often defined by family expectations and marriage timelines. However, globalization and exposure to Western ideals have given millennials and Gen Z greater freedom to explore relationships on their terms. Situationships represent a rejection or amendments of these traditional pressures.
The Drawbacks of Situationships
While they may offer flexibility and freedom, situationships are not without their downsides. They often lead to emotional confusion and unmet expectations. For example, one person may begin to grow attached and hope for a deeper commitment, only to find that the other party does not share the same feelings. This imbalance can lead to heartbreak and frustration.
Without clear communication, situationships can become a source of stress. People might invest time and energy into a bond that lacks clarity, leading to feelings of being undervalued or taken for granted. Over time, this can harm one’s self-esteem and make future relationships more difficult.
Furthermore, the uncertainty inherent in situationships can create anxiety. Questions like "Where is this going?" or "Do they feel the same way about me?" or “How long will we be in this?”, “with whom he/she is also in a parallel situationships” can linger, making it difficult to enjoy the connection. Emotional transparency and honest conversations are often sacrificed in the name of keeping things casual, creating an emotional gray area that many find difficult to navigate.
Why Situationships Deserve Attention
The scene from Singham Again reminded me how rapidly relationships are evolving, even in culturally grounded societies like ours. Situationships may reflect the fears, desires, and complexities of modern dating, but they also highlight the human need for connection—however imperfect it may be.
By writing this article, I hope to shed light on why this trend resonates with so many and encourage readers to introspect on their own relationships. Whether you’re navigating modern dating, researching relationship psychology, or simply curious, understanding the forces behind situationships can help you approach them with more clarity and intention.
My Final Take: Go For A Committed Relationship as it is the backbone of our mental peace, personal progress and societal stability. But take sufficient time to decide “who is your type of match” . I never say “perfect match” because I believe no one is perfect, we are on a journey to be perfect.
So, what’s your take? Have you found yourself in a situationship or committed relationship?
Share your thoughts with me on my Facebook Page.