Ah, the situationship—the ultimate no-man’s-land of modern dating. Not quite a relationship, but definitely more than a booty call. It’s that weird middle ground where you send memes instead of love notes and getting introduced to their dog is basically a commitment ceremony. Sounds chill, right? Well, not so fast—because while situationships may seem like a stress-free alternative to relationships, they can actually be a total emotional rollercoaster.

First up, let’s talk anxiety. If you’re in a situationship, chances are you’ve spent more time decoding texts than actually enjoying the person you’re with. “Are we exclusive? Are they seeing other people? Should I even ask, or will that make me look ‘too serious’?” This endless guessing game can turn even the most secure person into a ball of stress. Research shows that uncertainty in relationships can send our brains into overdrive, and let’s be real—no one has time for that when midterms are already wrecking our mental state.

Then there’s self-esteem, which often takes the first hit in these noncommittal love traps. In a real relationship, you get clarity. In a situationship, you get… vibes. And vibes aren’t enough when you’re secretly hoping for something more. If one person wants commitment while the other is just here for the casual, drama-free fun, it’s a recipe for disappointment. You end up waiting for them to “see the light” and realize you’re perfect, when in reality, they’re probably just vibing their way to the next non-relationship.

Situationships are also emotional quicksand. You’re not moving forward, but you’re too stuck to move on. You tell yourself you’re fine with it, but deep down, you’re secretly hoping that things will “just naturally evolve.” Spoiler alert: They usually don’t. Instead, you’re left in a constant state of almost, like watching a Netflix series that gets canceled before the season finale. Frustrating? Oh, absolutely.

And let’s not forget the emotional whiplash. One minute, they’re blowing up your phone with heart emojis; the next, they’re MIA for days. This hot-and-cold nonsense can seriously mess with your head, making you crave their attention even more. Sound familiar? That’s because it mimics trauma bonding—your brain is literally getting addicted to the unpredictable highs and lows. Yikes.

So what’s the move? Communication. If your situationship is taking a toll on your mental health, have the talk. And if they hit you with the classic “I’m not ready for anything serious,” ask yourself: Do you really want to be a placeholder until they are ready? Newsflash: You deserve more than that.

Love should be exciting, not emotionally draining. If your romantic life feels like an endless game of emotional Jenga, maybe it’s time to pull the plug and find something with a little more structure—and a lot more peace of mind. So, handle your situationship wisely. And if all else fails, remember: Your degree will never leave you on read.