What is a Situationship?
In this episode of the Luli Health Podcast, host Grace Youngson and relationship coach Rachel Owen tackle the confusing world of "situationships." But what exactly is a situationship? It’s a kind of relationship that falls in a grey area—lots of time spent together, some flirting, but no clear boundaries or commitment. This lack of definition leaves many feeling anxious and unsure about where things are headed.
Why Situationships Are Emotionally Exhausting
Situationships may seem casual, but they often lead to confusion and hurt feelings, especially when one person thinks it's more than just hanging out. Rachel explains how women and men bond differently, which can intensify these feelings. For women, physical touch releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone, while men experience bonding more through vasopressin, released during intimacy. This difference can leave one partner feeling emotionally attached while the other remains distant.
The Power of Healthy Boundaries
Rachel highlights how establishing boundaries early on is essential to avoid the emotional turmoil that comes with undefined relationships. Situationships often lack these important conversations, leaving one or both people stuck in an emotionally draining limbo. By setting clear boundaries and defining the relationship from the beginning, you can protect yourself and know where you stand.
The Emotional Toll of a Situationship
Women are wired to form emotional bonds quickly, often leading them to feel more invested in a situationship than men might be. Without clear communication and commitment, situationships can be emotionally draining and hurtful. Rachel encourages women to understand their emotional needs and recognize when they're not being met in these types of relationships.
How to Know if You're in a Situationship
A key sign you might be in a situationship? Anxiety and confusion over where you stand. If you're constantly wondering how the other person feels or why things aren’t progressing, it's time to ask yourself some hard questions. Are there boundaries? Is there commitment? If the answer is no, it’s a tell-tale sign you’re stuck in a situationship.
The Importance of Self-Awareness
To break free from the cycle of unclear relationships, Rachel stresses the importance of self-awareness. You can't set healthy boundaries if you don’t know who you are and what you want. When coaching her clients, she always starts with self-discovery, helping them understand their needs, goals, and values in relationships. Once you know yourself, you can better communicate and build the relationships you deserve.
Navigating Relationships with Hormone Cycles
Rachel dives into the fascinating connection between hormones and relationships. Women's hormones fluctuate throughout their cycle, impacting mood, energy, and even how they perceive potential partners. Understanding your hormone cycle can help you set boundaries, avoid bonding with the wrong person, and engage in healthier relationships. Rachel also discusses how educating men about women's hormonal cycles can actually improve relationship dynamics.
How to End a Situationship Gracefully
If you're in a situationship, ending it can feel tricky, but it’s necessary for your emotional health. Rachel advises having an honest conversation during a time when you're feeling confident, perhaps during the "upward cycle" of your hormones. It’s important to be clear about what you want and whether the other person can meet those needs. If not, it’s time to move on.
Ready to Take Charge of Your Relationships?
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in undefined relationships and want to know how to create healthy, fulfilling connections, this episode is for you! Listen in for more practical advice on ending situationships and protecting your emotional health. Dive deeper into the science behind emotional bonding, learn how to set boundaries, and start building relationships that make you feel valued.
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