In today’s complex dating landscape, “situational relationships” have become a visible group of relationships.
Somewhere between friendship and partnership, these informal relationships have the potential to make people feel distracted and hesitant to explore emotional boundaries.
But often there is one question: Is it possible to remain comrades already after situational relationships?
The result in this problem is in no way considered concrete, but in this post I will try to thoroughly explore this issue and present my own judgments, experiences and factual advice together with those who exactly found themselves in such a difficult state.
What Is a Situationship?
First of all, before diving into the idea of friendship after situational relationships, it is necessary to realize what situational relationships imply.
Unlike classic relationships, situational relationships do not include a label or duties, but often contain emotional and physical closeness.
As a rule, the society, staying in situational relationships, have all chances to enjoy each other’s environment, to share moments of vulnerability and to feel romantic emotions in the absence of external duties, united together with the relationship.
While such relationships have the potential to provide pleasure and fulfillment, they also have the potential to cause complications.
Lack of precise definitions can be a reason for misunderstanding, especially if the expectations in the relationship of exclusivity, commitment and emotions are different for the partners.
The Transition to Friendship
The Shift in Dynamics
When a situationship ends, often due to the realization that the relationship no longer serves both parties’ needs, the transition to friendship can be particularly challenging.
Sensual attachments may still persist, and one or both people may feel a sense of loss or insidiousness.
Perception and overcoming of these feelings contains the main role in order to establish to what extent the friendship is viable.
Communication Is Key
One of the most important aspects of negotiating a friendship even after a situational breakup is open communication.
Both people must clearly discuss their own emotions and the possibility of transition to platonic relationships.
It is very important to show all sorts of enveloped feelings, fears or plans to move on.
This conversation will be able to help determine the limits, which are very important in order to thrive in a friendship.
Consider Your Intentions
First of all, rather than trying to make friends, it is important to think about your own intentions. Ask yourself:
- Do I want to be sincerely friends, or do I retain the remnants of romantic feelings?
- Can we separate our past relationships from our potential friendships?
- How will our friendship affect my emotional well-being?
Understanding your motivations can help clarify the nature of your future relationship with your former partner.
When Friendship Is Possible
Not everyone can replicate the bond they once shared within a situationship in a platonic form.
However, certain conditions might make transitioning into friendship more feasible:
Mutual Respect and Understanding
If both parties can reach a mutual understanding of why the situationship did not work and respect each other’s feelings, they may be able to build a friendship.
This reverence often means accepting past relationships without bitterness or resentment.
Clear Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries can help ease all sorts of fading emotions.
Considering that what satisfies these two edges – whether it’s spending time together or considering past loves – can help eliminate misunderstandings and resentment.
Time Apart
Sometimes it is advisable to take a pause before moving on to friendship in the first place.
This pause gives both people the opportunity to transfer the sensual results of the relationship.
According to the expiration of a certain period it is easier to interact in the absence of the burden of past romantic relationships.
How Do I Move From a Situationship to a Friendship?
Be honest with yourself and your ex-partner.
Let them realize that you prefer your relationship and wish to remain friends, but are no longer interested in a loving relationship.
In this step do not forget to be clear and direct and try not to be rude.
Give each other some space. For you two are able to need a certain period, in order to return to this, together with what all without exception began.
After all, you just have turned from close partners to friends.
Absolutely according to the norm, what you need is a period and distance for you to realize your own feelings and move on.
Set boundaries. It is important to define clear boundaries in your newest friendship.
This means coming to an agreement about this, as well as how often you will contact, which issues are practical for you to discuss and whether you will continue physical contact.
Be patient. In order to create a lasting friendship, you need a period.
Do not be discouraged, in case at first you will become uncomfortable or uncomfortable.
Simply do not stop making efforts, and eventually you will form a healthy and full friendship.
When Friendship Is Undesirable
Despite the fact that many friendships have all chances to appear with situations, there are conditions if maintaining friendship is capable of being unproductive:
Unresolved Feelings
In case the only one of the people still harbors romantic feelings or hope in reconciliation, forcing friendship is able to lead to even greater heartache.
Accepting and avoiding these feelings is vital, rather than trying to move on to a platonic relationship in the first place.
Toxic patterns If situational relationships exist, you will notice jealousy, conflicts or sensual manipulation, friendships, or rather in general, will be in these same cycles.
In such variants it is more correct to generally give advantage to personal well-being and completely abandon the relationship.
Significant Life Changes
In the presence of important life changes (such as moving, career change or a new relationship) opportunities in the preservation of friendship are reduced.
These changes have the potential to change the way you feel or introduce new dynamics that can complicate the relationship.
FAQs
1. Can you really be friends after a situationship?
Yes, it’s possible! However, it requires clear communication and boundaries. Both individuals must be genuinely interested in a platonic relationship and be aware of their feelings.
2. Can you be friends with someone you had strong feelings for?
Yes, but it requires time and emotional clarity. If both parties are willing and ready to redefine the relationship, friendship can develop, though it may be challenging at first.
3. What if only one person wants to stay friends?
If one person desires to maintain a friendship while the other does not, it’s essential to respect boundaries.
Pushing for a friendship can lead to resentment and further emotional distress.
4. What to do if he wants to be friends after situationship?
The first reaction to the “let’s be friends” proposal is often disbelief.
Before responding to his request for friendship, take a moment to reflect on how you’re feeling.
On one hand, you might feel like you’ve lost someone special, but on the other hand, he may just be trying to retain a significant part of his life (you!).
5. Is it normal to feel sad after a situationship ends?
Yes, feelings of sadness or loss are completely valid.
Situationships often involve deep emotional investments, making it natural to feel a sense of loss when they come to an end.
6. Can a healthy friendship emerge from a toxic situationship?
In most cases, it’s difficult to build a healthy friendship when the situationship is toxic.
Prioritizing personal healing and establishing a safe emotional distance may be necessary before considering any form of friendship.
7. How long should I wait before trying to be friends after a situationship?
The time frame varies for everyone. It’s best to allow enough time for both individuals to process their feelings fully.
This could range from weeks to months, depending on the emotional complexities involved.
Conclusion
Transition from the relationship to friendship is possible, but no one asks for conscious effort, accurate communication and mutual desire.
Not all without exception believe that the development of friendship after a love relationship – this is a suitable choice, and this is absolutely in accordance with the norm.
Acceptance of their own psychological needs and decency together with themselves and the partner can help to establish the best way.
At the end of the points, any relationship is unique.
In case you show patience and perception, in this case it is possible to turn the page from a situational relationship to a friendly one, which will enable the two to maintain the positive aspects of their relationship as they move into different stages of life.
